Watch CBS News

A's Trade Tyler Clippard To Mets For Pitching Prospect

The A's unloaded another big piece of their pitching staff, this time from the bullpen. Tyler Clippard, in his first year as a part of the Oakland Athletics has been shipped to the New York Mets for RHP Casey Meisner.

Clippard, 30, has pitched 38.2 innings thus far and has a decent 2.79 ERA along with a 1.19 WHIP. His real value is in his ability to get left-handed hitters out so effectively - he's only allowed seven hits in 70 at-bats against lefties. A career set-up man, Clippard has been the A's closer all season, posting 17 saves in 21 attempts.

When Clippard reports Tuesday, there will be $3,129,508 remaining from his $8.3 million salary. Oakland will pay the Mets $1 million as part of the trade.

He has posted an ERA under 3.00 three-straight seasons and has been one of the best right-handed relievers in the AL this year. In return for Clippard, the A's get a guy who is a couple years away from the big leagues but has some high potential for a 20-year-old.

Meisner was drafted by the Mets in the third round of the 2013 draft out of high school, and through his first couple years, his numbers as a starting pitcher have been stellar. Between low and high A ball this season, he has posted a 10-4 record and a 2.35 ERA in 18 starts.

He is also one of the tallest prospects in the A's system, standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing only 190 pounds. He throws a fastball that varies from 93-94 mph and can touch 95, and he also owns a curve ball and slider in his arsenal. The two breaking pitches could use some work, but he is well on his way to being a future No. 1 or No. 2 pitcher on the A's staff in a few years.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.