Diamondbacks, Tyler Clippard moving towards deal

The Diamondbacks believe they are making progress with former Mets relief pitcher Tyler Clippard on a deal, according to sources cited by Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic.

Piecoro’s sources said that the Diamondbacks were “hopeful” that a deal could get done before spring training. The sides are reportedly discussing both one-year and multi-year contract options. Clippard signed a one-year deal worth $8.3 million ahead of last season, so he could be due for a similar salary this season.

Clippard, who will turn 31 next Sunday, has an ERA of 2.68 in 481 appearances since becoming a full-time relief pitcher in 2009. He has posted an ERA under 3.10 in six of the last seven seasons, including a 2.92 mark with the Athletics and Mets in 2015. He has been one of baseball’s best setup men over the last decade, spending six seasons with the Nationals before splitting last year with the A’s and the Mets.

However, he had a 7.11 ERA over his final 12 appearances during the regular season and a 6.75 ERA in eight postseason games– including a blown lead in Game 4 of the World Series.

If Clippard does sign with Arizona, he would likely serve as the setup man to incumbent closer Brad Ziegler. The Diamondbacks had the National League’s median bullpen ERA last season, and have done little to improve their bullpen this offseason. The only relief pitcher they have singed this offseason was Wesley Wright– who pitched in only 11 big-league games in 2015. Adding a proven commodity like Clippard could help shore up the team’s late-inning options.