Tyler Clippard is arguably the best reliever available in free agency. However, a number of MLB clubs have perhaps backed off since he's looking for a multi-year deal. As a result, with his market taking a hit, rumors suggest the Tampa Bay Rays are interested in the right-hander.
Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times is reporting the Rays are "considering" Clippard as a "late bullpen add." Clippard, who resides in Florida, could benefit from pitching in his home state as well as the tax breaks that come with it, Topkin adds.
It was reported yesterday that the Arizona Diamondbacks could also be making a run at Clippard, as rumors suggested they're looking to add a veteran arm to their bullpen.
Other than that, Clippard's market has been relatively quiet.
Clippard, who turns 31 this month, finished 5-4 with a 2.92 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 64 strikeouts in 69 games (71 innings) last season with the Oakland Athletics and New York Mets. The Mets were once rumored to be in on Clippard, but it was said they were unwilling to go beyond one year for the reliever and have since signed Antonio Bastardo to a two-year contract.
Now that he's gone this far into the offseason unsigned, the Rays' interest makes perfect sense because they might be able to get him at a cheaper rate.
Additionally, Tampa Bay traded arguably their best reliever in Jake McGee to the Colorado Rockies last month in the deal that netted them outfielder Corey Dickerson. McGee spent six MLB seasons with the Rays and was 21-11 with a 2.77 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 319 strikeouts in 297 games (259-2/3 innings).
This leaves the club with a fairly big void to fill, but the trade made sense because the Rays had little incentive to pay McGee $4.8 million for the 2016 season since they're a small market team and can find more cost-effective options.
At this point it's unknown what kind of deal Clippard will command. MLBTradeRumors.com predicted he'd sign a three-year, $18 million pact, but at this point that seems unrealistic, and the Rays certainly won't go that high.
Then again, the Rays can always sign him to a backloaded deal and use him as trade bait at the deadline if their season isn't going to plan.
Stay tuned for updates.
