On Tuesday, we learned that the Rockies have signed left-handed pitcher Ian Clarkin to a minor league contract.
#Rockies have signed LHP Ian Clarkin to a minor league contract.
— MiLB-Transactions (@tombaseball29) November 25, 2020
The 25-year-old is a graduate of Madison High School in San Diego and the Yankees’ first-round draft pick in 2013. He stayed in the Yankees’ system until July 2017 when he was traded was to the White Sox. (Fun fact: Old Friend Tommy Kahnle was part of the deal.) After the 2018 season, Clarkin was designated for assignment and, after some waiver shuffling, was claimed by the Cubs. He appeared in 10 games with their Double-A affiliate before being released in June of 2019. In March of 2020, he signed an MiLB deal with the Padres; he was released on May 27, 2020.
According to Baseball America, Clarkin’s fastball is typically 90-92 mph with an occasional bump to 93-94. He also has a curveball and is developing a changeup. He has a history of command issues though he is willing to pitch aggressively inside.
In his career, he has pitched in 363 innings for an ERA of 3.55, a WHIP of 1.34, a BB/9 of 3.37, and a K/9 of 6.67. His highest level of play is Double-A.
Here’s his pinned tweet:
I can't wait to prove people wrong
— Ian Clarkin (@iClarkin) January 7, 2017
Clarkin is the latest in a series of minor league signings completed by the Rockies this offseason, including Derek Rodríguez, José Briceño, Brian Gonzalez and Connor Joe.