Relief pitcher Scott McGough has entered free agency after a $4 million mutual option with the Arizona Diamondbacks for 2025 was declined.
The Arizona Republic’s Nick Piecoro first reported the D-backs declined the option, which included a $750,000 buyout.
The 35-year-old enters free agency after making 89 appearances for the Diamondbacks over the past two seasons with a 5.59 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in 103 innings.
McGough signed with the Diamondbacks ahead of the 2023 season to add bullpen depth after pitching in Japan for four seasons. He worked his way back to the major leagues by finding success in Japan as a closer for the Yakult Swallows.
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The right-hander got on a roll in 2023 after a tough first month back in the majors for the first time since 2015. He allowed no earned runs in 17 straight appearances spanning 22.1 innings in May and June, but that was the highlight of his D-backs tenure.
His ERA was a gnarly 7.98 for the rest of the season, and a right shoulder issue ended his campaign in the middle of September. He finished his first season with a 4.73 ERA and missed the entire postseason.
McGough returned in 2024 but was optioned three times, as he made more appearances for Triple-A Reno than the big league club. For the Aces, McGough produced a 3.22 ERA with eight saves, but in the big leagues his ERA spiked to 7.44.
The Diamondbacks’ bullpen remains largely intact going into 2025, as A.J. Puk, Kevin Ginkel, Joe Mantiply, Ryan Thompson and Justin Martinez are all under team control. Younger pitchers Bryce Jarvis and Drey Jameson will be back from injury, as well, while veteran Paul Sewald enters free agency this offseason.