Free-agent relief pitcher Tyler Clippard and the Arizona Diamondbacks reportedly agreed on a two-year, $12.25 million contract, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
Jack Magruder of Fox Sports reported on Saturday that the Diamondbacks and Clippard’s camp were having contract discussions.
The 30-year-old right-hander split the 2015 season between the New York Mets and Oakland Athletics, registering 19 saves while striking out 64 batters and walking 31 in 71 innings pitched.
On Jan. 4, Diamondbacks general manager Dave Stewart said he would have liked to make a trade for a reliever, but since the price was too steep, Clippard was a viable option, via AZCentral’s Nick Piecoro.
“We have not talked to his people, (but) that is a good name,” Stewart said when asked about Clippard. “I know we talked about it internally, so I think there’s a pretty good possibility we will (reach out), at least just to see.”
Clippard spent 2007-14 with the Washington Nationals, mainly as a setup man. However, he did record 32 saves as the closer for the team in 2012. According to Baseball-Reference.com, Clippard has a career ERA+ of 138 and an impressive 1.089 WHIP.
It seemed likely that Stewart would make a big push, considering he didn’t see many good prospects on the horizon, according to Piecoro: “I think there’s probably only going to be a few options that will fit. I don’t see there being a bunch.”
Clippard has been a workhorse over his career, logging a 2.88 ERA in 562 innings, and has averaged nearly 75 innings the past seven years. He will most likely be a setup man again with Arizona, considering Brad Ziegler, who saved 30 games for the Diamondbacks last year, remains on the roster.
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