UPDATE:
Tyler Clippard close to a deal with #Dbacks. Things look "promising,'' says source. @nickpiecoro and @SteveGilbertMLB reported earlier.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) February 8, 2016
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UPDATE: The D-Backs and Clippard are "making progress" on a deal, according to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic.
@SteveGilbertMLB Steve can you tell me Dbacks lefty relievers other than Chafin
— DJ Jackson (@DavidJackson81) February 8, 2016
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UPDATE:
The #Dbacks, who badly want another back-end reliever, have identified Tyler Clippard as the one atop their wish list
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 5, 2016
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The Arizona Diamondbacks have been one of most active MLB clubs this offseason and they're not done yet. Despite general manager Dave Stewart saying the team didn't "have much going on" in terms of acquiring more players on Wednesday, he indicated today there's a need for a reliever.
Previous rumors this offseason have linked the D-Backs to a number of top bullpen arms, such as Aroldis Chapman and Andrew Miller, but Stewart has backed off due to the high asking prices.
As a result, the free agent market at this point in the offseason could help address Arizona's bullpen need. Late-inning specialist Tyler Clippard, who has been a rumored target for a number of MLB clubs, is one possibility.
"We have not talked to his people, (but) that is a good name," Stewart told Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic. "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."
"I think there's probably only going to be a few options that will fit. I don't see there being a bunch."
Clippard is just one option. The free agent market has a number of cheap relievers including Tommy Hunter, Joe Nathan, Casey Janssen, Joel Peralta, Matt Belisle, Neal Cotts, Franklin Morales and others.
However, Stewart also noted that internal options Silvino Bracho, Enrique Burgos, Jake Barrett and Evan Marshall could be candidates for the remaining two bullpen spots. Those names could be good cost-effective options, but Arizona's payroll is only expected to reach $95 million in 2016, so there's certainly a bit more room for Stewart to add a veteran in free agency.
The D-Backs have a solid cast of back end relievers in Brad Ziegler, Daniel Hudson and Josh Collmenter, but the latter two were just converted to full-time roles in the bullpen this past season, so it's unclear if they'll be able to replicate their success again in 2016. Hudson missed all of 2013 due to Tommy John surgery and pitched just three games in 2014 while Collmenter spent nearly all of 2014 in the rotation after being used exclusively as a reliever in 2013. The two veterans have to make sure they can adjust and remain consistent in their new roles.
It certainly wouldn't hurt to add a more surefire reliever such as Clippard. The right-hander, despite dealing with fatigue and back issues during the second half of 2015, owns a career 2.88 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in nine MLB seasons.
MLBTradeRumors.com predicts Clippard will sign a three-year, $18 million contract, but that now seems unrealistic this late in the offseason.
Stewart can still do some tinkering before Opening Day, so keep an eye on his search for a reliever.
