Height
6'5"
Weight
210 lbs
Age
33
College
N/A
Draft
2014, Rd 23, #676
Experience
6 yrs
Bats/Throws
R/R
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsB+
| Year | Team | GP | ERA | W-L | K | WHIP | IP | SV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 261 | 3.4756098 | 18-16 | 210 | 1.1747967 | 0.0 | 8 |
Current Contract
Length
1 year
Total Value
$4.0M
Guaranteed
$2.4M
AAV
$4.0M/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
The Diamondbacks secured solid value by locking up Ryan Thompson on a one-year, $4M deal that earns a B CVI grade for a reliever of his caliber. Thompson has established himself as an above-average arm in the backend of Arizona's bullpen, and this contract reflects the current market reality where proven middle relievers command premium dollars despite shorter track records. At $4M AAV, the Diamondbacks are paying for immediate production rather than betting on upside, which aligns perfectly with their competitive window as they look to build on recent playoff success. The one-year structure gives Arizona flexibility while allowing Thompson to potentially cash in on a longer deal if he maintains his effectiveness, though reliever volatility makes this a reasonable risk for both sides. Given the scarcity of dependable bullpen arms and Thompson's demonstrated ability to handle high-leverage situations, this deal should provide the Diamondbacks with the kind of reliable depth piece that often makes the difference in tight divisional races. The contract strikes the right balance between rewarding past performance and maintaining payroll flexibility in a market where even middling relievers routinely exceed $3M annually.
Fan & Media Sentiment
Ryan Thompson maintains a solid reputation in Arizona's market, viewed as a steady veteran presence who brings both reliability on the mound and respected leadership in the clubhouse. The media coverage reflects appreciation for his faith-centered approach and clubhouse culture contributions, while his recent scoreless appearances have reinforced confidence in his pitching ability during a strong 2026 campaign. However, a minor injury scare created some concern among fans about his durability, and there's been scattered skepticism about how he'll adapt to evolving MLB systems and analytics. The disconnect between his B- public perception and elite A- on-field production suggests Thompson is somewhat undervalued in the court of public opinion — his actual pitching performance has been franchise-caliber this season. A sustained healthy stretch through the playoffs or a high-leverage postseason moment would likely elevate his standing from "reliable veteran" to "difference-maker." For now, Thompson sits in that sweet spot where he's universally respected without generating major headlines, which is exactly what contending teams want from their bullpen veterans.
Recent Games
| Date | OPP | Result | AB | H | R | HR | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed, 4/8 | @ NYM | W 7-2 | - | - | - | 0 | - | - | - |
| Tue, 4/7 | @ NYM | L 3-4 | - | - | - | 0 | - | - | - |
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