Arizona signs pitcher after trading Nolan Arenado
The The Arizona Diamondbacks recently acquired veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals. Although he is not the same player as he once was, trade Arenado provides Arizona with a quality veteran player. The Cardinals made another move Thursday, announcing the signing of right-handed reliever Taylor Clark to a one-year contract. Gus Varland was designated for the task in a suitable move.
Clark, 32, played for the D’Backs from 2019-2021. In 2022, he joined the royal team. He would play in Kansas City through 2025 before re-signing with the Diamondbacks on Thursday.
Clark has struggled through most of his career until 2025. Still, he enjoyed a breakout campaign on the 25th in Kansas City. The right-hander posted a career-best 3.25 ERA in 51 appearances. Clark added 44 strikeouts and an .849 WHIP in his 55.1 innings of work.
It was a strong overall season. Clark pitched as one of the better relievers in baseball. The Diamondbacks certainly hope he can repeat those results in 2026.
Diamondbacks’ pen
Arizona’s bullpen could be better than expected this season. Pitchers like Andrew Salfrank and Ryan Thompson will lead the way. Clark could also end up in a setter role. He will instantly become one of the most important taxpayers of the team.
For Clarke, 2026 will give him a chance to prove that his ’25 performance wasn’t an outlier. If he pitches well once again, Clark will be a candidate for a multi-year deal in free agency next offseason.
2026-01-17 03:55:00
