Leake opted out of the 2020 season due to concerns over COVID-19 and he wants to see how “normal” things are this spring before deciding whether to pitch at some point this season. The 33-year-old had a 4.29 ERA over 31 starts between the Mariners and Diamondbacks in 2019 and still offers value as an innings-eater.

Leake has a $5 million buyout coming his way as he heads into free agency having opted out of the 2020 season due to concerns about COVID-19. The soon-to-be 33-year-old registered a 4.29 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 127/27 K/BB ratio in 197 innings (32 starts) between the Mariners and Diamondbacks in 2019. Arizona has also declined a $3.5 million option on Junior Guerra and a $4 million option on Hector Rondon.

Leake, who fractured his left (non-throwing) wrist during the offseason, has been throwing bullpen sessions but is not yet ready to pitch in a game setting. As such, his availability for Opening Day is in doubt. Louvullo would like to see his starters reach 75 pitches "a couple times" before making one final start approaching 90 pitches. If Leake is not part of the rotation to start the season, it likely grants Merrill Kelly a stay from joining the bullpen.

Leake, who was diagnosed with a fracture of his left, non-throwing wrist, participated in the session without wearing a glove. He's hopeful to be ready in time for the start of the season; however, manager Torey Lovullo tells a different story. "I'm not going to totally eliminate that thought," Lovullo said, "but as I explained to him I'm not going to put him in a situation where he's going to go out there and potentially hurt himself and take a step backwards. I have to make 100 percent certain he's going to be able to go out there and execute and not get injured." Leake suffered the injury during the offseason when he slipped and fell at home.