© D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
TAMPA BAY — As trades and signings begin to sprout this offseason, the Arizona Diamondbacks will not be bringing back right-handed pitcher Jake Woodford.
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Sep 7, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Jake Woodford against the Boston Red Sox at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
According to Marc Topkin, Woodford has signed a minor-league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. After a roller-coaster 2025 season, which included stints in the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs minor-league systems, the right-hander’s time in the desert has come to a close.
Woodford was used in several roles out of the Diamondbacks’ bullpen, including occasional late-inning work, and was one of 17 pitchers on the team to record a save — a league record.
Jul 22, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Jake Woodford against the Houston Astros at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The former D-back posted a 6.44 ERA over 36.1 innings. While the results were rough, he often served as an innings-eater for Arizona.
His final appearances in the desert were ones to forget. He was designated for assignment on Sept. 21 after allowing nine earned runs in 3.1 innings over his final three outings.
Aug 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; A general view as the Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Jake Woodford (41) and catcher Gabriel Moreno (14) celebrate after a victory against the Cincinnati Reds at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
Woodford, 29, still has potential to refine his craft and become a reliable bullpen piece, something he hopes to do on the other side of the country with the Rays. As a Florida native, he could view the move as a chance to reset with a home-state club.
Woodford’s next chapter with Tampa Bay offers a fresh start and a chance to rebuild his career closer to home.
The #Rays have agreed to terms with free-agent RHP Jake Woodford, per @Adams_Steve pic.twitter.com/1X0U13qoOM
— MLB Deadline News (@MLBDeadlineNews) November 21, 2025
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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