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MLB free agent rumors: Next five players to sign

By Josh Criswell

Sep 7, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Justin Upton (10) is congratulated after scoring during the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Justin Upton (10) is congratulated after scoring during the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 30, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Tyler Clippard throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the 8th inning in game three of the World Series at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Tyler Clippard throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the 8th inning in game three of the World Series at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

Tyler Clippard

It is not particularly common for a relief pitcher over 30 years old to become one of the hottest free agent commodities in Major League Baseball. But this offseason, that is exactly the case.

Tyler Clippard, who will turn 31 years old by Opening Day 2016, is on the radar of several teams. Given his resume over his seven-year MLB career, signing the veteran relief pitcher should be a no-brainer for teams in search of stability in the bullpen.

Clippard has posted a respectable 2.88 ERA throughout his career, with his worst season coming in 2012, when he took over closing duties for the Washington Nationals. He recorded a 3.72 ERA that year, never returned to a closer role and has since become one of the most reliable relief pitchers in all of baseball.

An inexperienced, weak bullpen is the downfall of many great teams, especially in the postseason. Clippard’s presence in the late innings would help to alleviate this potential issue.

Even though he struggled during the 2015 playoffs, posting a 4.26 ERA for the New York Mets during their World Series run, do not expect this to hinder Clippard’s upcoming payday.

"“Considering the terrible contracts being given to relievers, he’ll get his money,” one MLB executive told ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick. “He’s too good not to.”"

A return to the Mets is a possibility, but if that does not work out, there is a plethora of teams in the market for an established relief pitcher of Clippard’s caliber.

The bottom line: Clippard will get his money. And looking at this year’s reliever-friendly market, he will have plenty of options to choose from.

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