Report: D-Backs, Clippard making progress towards deal

The Arizona Diamondbacks could add a two-time All-Star to their revamped staff before pitchers and catchers report next week, as the club has reportedly made progress towards a deal with veteran reliever Tyler Clippard, according to Nick Piecoro of AZCentral.

Last month, Diamondbacks general manager Dave Stewart outlined his plan to pursue relief help with the money saved by trading Aaron Hill to Milwaukee, and recently acknowledged a "pretty good possibility" the club would reach out to Clippard.

Though Clippard has also drawn interest from the Tampa Bay Rays and the New York Mets - the reigning National League champions want to re-sign him following his solid stretch run in Queens - one source pegged the Diamondbacks as "hopeful" a deal would get done.

Despite vacillating between setup and closing duties in recent years, Clippard has been one of the most effective relievers in the majors for more than a half decade, fashioning a 2.48 ERA while making more appearances (440) than any pitcher in baseball since 2010. Last year, Clippard crafted a 2.92 ERA with a 1.13 WHIP over 69 outings between the Mets and Oakland Athletics while posting the highest fly-ball rate (60.6 percent) among qualified relievers.