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3 Teams That Should Regret Passing on Madison Bumgarner

By Steven Kubitza

Madison Bumgarner is with the Diamondbacks and several teams missed out badly on the southpaw.
Madison Bumgarner is with the Diamondbacks and several teams missed out badly on the southpaw. / Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images

Madison Bumgarner finally found his new home. The coveted left-hander signed a five-year deal to become a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks, which is a bit of a surprise given the rumors surrounding him all offseason. Several teams connected to him in the rumor mill ultimately missed out and may be regretting it for years to come. Here are three teams that whiffed on their chance to land the three-time World Series champ.

3. Minnesota Twins

The Twins need another top arm in the rotation.
The Twins need another top arm in the rotation. / Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

The Twins have Jose Berrios as the ace. Jake Odorizzi follows but may not be around for long. Bumgarner would have been in the team's budget and he could have given the Twins a rotation that rivals that of Cleveland's, now that Corey Kluber is out of the division. Targeting MadBum would have improved the team much more than bringing back Michael Pineda for two years.

2. Atlanta Braves

Cole Hamels is the main addition of the offseason for Atlanta.
Cole Hamels is the main addition of the offseason for Atlanta. / Quinn Harris/Getty Images

The Braves haven't won a postseason series since 2001. The team brought in Cole Hamels on a one-year deal, which could help in the short term, yet the Braves should take advantage of having so much young talent on team-friendly deals. Bumgarner is an NL pitcher who holds his own at the plate. While Hamels is a good addition, snagging Bumgarner as well could have put Atlanta over the top.

1. Los Angeles Angels

The Angels need much more help in the rotation.
The Angels need much more help in the rotation. / Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

The Angels have added stars on offense, and getting Anthony Rendon was a major victory. But pitching remains a huge need for the team and the Angels could have signed Bumgarner to be the ace of the staff. Instead, the Angels are placing a ton of pressure on Dylan Bundy and Andrew Heaney to lead the staff. Both have career ERAs over 4.40, and their postseason pedigree can't even be compared to that of Bumgarner's.