The Arizona Diamondbacks bolstered their bullpen by signing free-agent right-hander Taylor Clarke to a one-year, $1.5 million deal with incentives. Clarke, a former Diamondbacks draft pick, returns after three seasons with the Kansas City Royals. The move addresses needs in relief pitching ahead of spring training.
The Arizona Diamondbacks announced on Thursday the signing of right-handed pitcher Taylor Clarke to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million, with incentives that could push the total value above $2 million. Clarke, 32, was originally selected by the Diamondbacks in the third round of the 2015 MLB Draft out of the College of Charleston. He made his major league debut with Arizona on April 20, 2019, against the Cubs, and appeared in 78 games (20 starts) from 2019 to 2021, posting a 9-8 record with a 4.99 ERA.
After being non-tendered by the Diamondbacks in November 2021, Clarke joined the Kansas City Royals, where he pitched over three seasons in 156 games (two starts). In 2025, his most recent season, Clarke made 51 appearances for the Royals, going 1-1 with one save and a 3.25 ERA over 55.1 innings. He limited opponents to a .194 batting average, achieved a 0.85 WHIP, and issued just nine walks while striking out 44. Notably, he was one of only two pitchers in MLB last season to make 50 or more appearances with nine or fewer walks.
To accommodate Clarke on the 40-man roster, the Diamondbacks designated right-hander Gus Varland for assignment, bringing the roster to its full 40 spots. General Manager Mike Hazen emphasized Clarke's familiarity with the organization: “Obviously, we know the makeup and have a long history with him, so it was a good fit for us.”
This signing follows the addition of Jonathan Loáisiga to the bullpen and comes as Arizona seeks to improve its relief corps before pitchers and catchers report on February 10. Hazen noted the unit's unproven nature early in the season, with co-closers Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk recovering from Tommy John surgery. He expressed optimism about younger arms like Juan Burgos, Andrew Hoffmann, Drey Jameson, and Brandyn Garcia stepping up. “We have a lot of talent that’s out there,” Hazen said. “We obviously have to improve on that talent both externally and with the guys that we have here in terms of them stepping up and fitting into some of those roles. There will still continue to be additions made to the 'pen from here until Spring Training.”
Career-wise, Clarke has appeared in 234 games (22 starts) across six seasons with the Diamondbacks and Royals, compiling a 16-16 record, eight saves, and a 4.73 ERA.
