The Royals are bringing back a familiar face to the organization, signing relief-pitcher Taylor Clarke to a minor league contract. After spending his first three major league seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Clarke signed with the Royals prior to the 2022 season where he found some success. That season, he held a 4.04 ERA in 49.0 IP with a 1.18 WHIP and 48 K to 8 BB. Aside from May 2023, where Clarke held a 0.71 ERA in 12 appearances, his results throughout 2023 were poor. Overall, he held a 5.95 ERA in 59.0 IP, with a 1.61 WHIP and .303 OBA. The Royals ended up trading Clarke to the Milwaukee Brewers for two prospects before the 2024 season, and he spent the entirety of the 2024 season in the minor leagues.

This is not a ground-breaking move by any means, but adds some depth to the organization. Clarke has plenty of MLB experience and has put up average numbers at times throughout his career. I don’t expect much to come of this signing, but it is a very low-cost way to create depth and competition throughout the organization. Clarke has already been assigned to the Omaha Storm Chasers where he will look to get back on track.

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