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Former Oakland A’s pitcher Dan Straily signs with Diamondbacks

By David Hill

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - JUNE 12: Pitcher Straily Dan #58 of Lotte Giants throws the bottom of the first inning during the KBO League game between Lotte Giants and LG Twins at the Jamsil Staidum on June 12, 2020 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images)
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - JUNE 12: Pitcher Straily Dan #58 of Lotte Giants throws the bottom of the first inning during the KBO League game between Lotte Giants and LG Twins at the Jamsil Staidum on June 12, 2020 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images) /
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Former Oakland A’s pitcher Dan Straily could have had a comfortable career in the Korean Baseball Organization. He had headed to South Korea for the 2020 season and performed well in his two seasons in the KBO. He had been a star overseas and could continue to enjoy that stature.

However, Straily was not content to stay in the KBO. He had stated that he wanted to return stateside, getting the chance to pitch in front of his son and ending his career in the majors. He is getting that chance in 2022 as he has signed a minor league deal with the Diamondbacks.

Dan Straily getting his chance to return stateside

A former 24th round pick by the A’s in the 2009 MLB Draft, Straily has been a veteran of eight major league seasons. He has had some success in that time, posting a 44-40 record with a 4.56 ERA and a 1.318 WHiP in his 803.1 innings. He had been a solid back of the rotation arm for a portion of that time.

That was not the case when last Straily was in the majors. He had a horrendous showing with the Orioles, allowing 53 runs, 52 earned, on 73 hits and 22 walks in 47.2 innings. Those issues may have been the result of an injury the Orioles felt was just inflammation, but turned out to be a torn meniscus in his knee.

Straily made changes to his fastball and change while focusing on pitching technology to improve his offerings while in the KBO. One can hardly argue with the results as he posted a 3.22 ERA and a 1.188 WHiP in his 360.1 innings with the Lotte Giants, striking out 369 batters with 118 walks. He looked like a completely different pitcher.

He is certainly worth a look for the Diamondbacks. If he can come close to the form he showed from 2016 through 2018, when he was a serviceable major league arm, Straily would be a distinct upgrade over what they had in 2021. He could even be an option at the trade deadline, allowing the Diamondbacks to add to their future.

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Former Oakland A’s pitcher Dan Straily is coming back stateside. He has signed a minor league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks for 2022.