Jake Diekman announced his retirement in a lengthy social media post this evening. The longtime reliever appeared with nine major league teams during a career that spanned parts of 13 seasons. His announcement is worth a full read, as he went on to thank his former organizations, teammates, family, fans, representatives at Beverly Hills Sports Council and more.
Now 38, Diekman entered professional baseball as a 20-year-old back in 2007. The Phillies drafted the lanky lefty in the 30th round out of a Kansas junior college. He’d been committed to attend the University of Nebraska the following spring but elected to sign with the Phils. Diekman moved to the bullpen a couple seasons into his minor league career and received his first MLB call in May 2012.
Diekman made 191 appearances over three and a half seasons for the Phils. Philadelphia was rebuilding for most of that run, but he was part of a combined no-hitter in 2014 and tallied a cumulative 3.84 earned run average. The Rangers acquired him alongside Cole Hamels in a massive 2015 deadline deal.
While that was primarily the Hamels trade, Diekman was a significant part of the Texas bullpen for the next few years. He tallied 124 1/3 innings of 3.18 ERA ball over parts of four seasons as a Ranger. He appeared in the postseason in 2015 and ’16, firing six innings of one-run ball in his first October action during the former season.
Diekman was on the move at the 2018 deadline. Texas was headed to a 95-loss season and he was ticketed for free agency, making him an obvious trade candidate. The D-Backs picked him up for the stretch run, though he struggled during his brief stint in the desert. Diekman signed a one-year contract with the Royals during the winter. Kansas City flipped him to the A’s at the 2019 deadline, and he impressed the team enough to re-sign on a two-year deal the following offseason.
After three seasons in Oakland, Diekman firmly moved into journeyman territory for his final few seasons. He played for another four teams between 2022-24, concluding his big league run with 43 appearances for the Mets last year. The Nebraska native returned home on a contract with the independent Lincoln SaltDogs a few weeks ago, but he’s now decided to wrap up his playing days.
Diekman finishes with a 3.91 ERA in a little over 600 big league frames. He recorded 764 strikeouts, fanning almost 29% of opposing hitters throughout his career. He never had pristine command, but he reliably missed bats behind a fastball that got into the 97-98 MPH range at his peak. He recorded 187 holds, a mark topped only by Tony Watson and Adam Ottavino since his 2012 debut, and secured 19 saves in scattered closing opportunities. Baseball Reference calculates his career earnings north of $28MM. MLBTR congratulates Diekman on a strong career and sends our best wishes for his post-playing endeavors.
Made over 28m as a set up man. No wonder he thanks his agent!
He also thanked his former organizations, teammates, family, and fans too. An ERA just under 4.00 and 13 years in the big leagues. Congrats, Jake!
And needs to thank mother nature or his parents for making him left-handed!
Definitely the parents who provided the genes as well as the environment.
“Mother nature” not so much. That’s quite the esoteric entity.
“Mother Nature” includes the genes of the beings living it. Your “ummm AcTuAlLy” schtick is so fudging tired. You changed your pfp to a meme because your dorky red glasses made everyone know you were an insufferable turd crumb.
3.2 career WAR for $30M. It’s a good gig if you can get it. Ahahahahahaha!
Classy
Also went through a very tough gastrointestinal surgery during the height of his career and came out better on the other side, providing many who suffer from the same illness a glimmer of hope and someone to look up to. Congrats on the fine career Jake!
Jake, your retirement announcement was pretty terrific. All the best to you and your family.
No mention that he was on the mound when Odor and Bautista had punches. I don’t know why, but I remember him for that.
Earned about $28 million in his career, 11 seasons, career ERA 3.91,, about 600 innings pitched in 700 games. Never made more than $4 million in a season. Only had 2 or 3 very good seasons. Played a lot of seasons before the must face 3 batters rule was in effect. Several left-handers made a career out of being left-handed and a good reliever gave you a less than one inning pitched per appearance.
Hitters retired him a few years ago
Could he not still start for the Orioles?
Those A’s years were very underrated and phenomenal. Take care of yourself. And enjoy your retirement, best of luck.
Could’ve been one of the most dominant relievers of this era if he could just throw strikes.
11.4 K/9, but 5.3 BB/9
Always had a soft spot for the guy as he not only was a Phillie, but a fellow sufferer of Crohns disease.