After trading for infielder Jean Segura from the Brewers over the weekend, Diamondbacks general manager Dave Stewart said that he was open to acquiring another closer or high-leverage reliever. There’s a high asking price in the trade market, so Stewart acknowledged to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic on Thursday that he’ll likely have to look to the dwindling group of free agent relievers.
The most accomplished reliever remaining on the market is Tyler Clippard, who posted a 2.92 ERA and 64/31 K/BB ratio over 71 innings last season between the Athletics and Mets. He served as the closer during his time in Oakland and saved 17 games. While there haven’t been any talks between the two sides, Stewart says they’ll likely be in touch.
Clippard was shaky down the stretch last season and continued to see his velocity decline. He has always induced his fair share of infield fly balls, but an overall increase in fly ball rate isn’t ideal when talking about a potential match with Arizona.
We can likely rule out a reunion with the Mets, as general manager Sandy Alderson said on Wednesday that the club is done giving out major league deals.