The New York Mets appear to be that suitor.
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The Nationals and Athletics had discussed Clippard, whom the Nats traded to Oakland for Yunel Escobar last offseason – as well as super utility man Ben Zobrist – in June, but were unable to meet eye-to-eye on terms, according to Rosenthal.
On Monday, the two teams continued those trends with each other.
Right-handed Oakland Athletics reliever Tyler Clippard could be the next walk year player to be moved, reports Susan Slusser for the San Francisco Chronicle.
Sandy Alderson started remaking the Mets roster on Friday, trading for Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson and calling up Michael Conforto.
A two-time All-Star who broke into the majors with the Yankees in 2007, Clippard is 1-3 with 17 saves and a 2.79 ERA this season for the Athletics. Also, the recently returning Jenrry Mejia would be ineligible for the postseason due to his 80-game PED suspension, giving New York reliable insurance in the bullpen. But, taking a deeper look show that Clippard hasn’t been as effective as his stats may suggest.
The Mets acquired the righthanded closer and cash considerations from the Oakland A’s in exchange for minor-league pitcher Casey Meisner.
The Mets need a late-inning reliever to setup the eighth before Jeurys Familia steps in to close out the game.
Clippard was drafted by the Yankees in the ninth round of the 2003 MLB Draft and pitched one season with the team in the big leagues back in 2007.
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In those 41 appearances, Meisner is 16-10 with a 2.89 ERA and 1.212 WHIP. Clippard’s 4.9 BB/9 ratio is the highest it’s been since his 2009 season with the Nationals, and his 8.8 K/9 rate is the lowest of his career. Expect to hear more about this report in the next few days if not earlier.
