| Taylor Clarke | |
|---|---|
| Arizona Diamondbacks – No. 45 | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1993-05-13)May 13, 1993 (age 32) Ashburn, Virginia, U.S. | |
Bats: Right Throws: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| April 20, 2019, for the Arizona Diamondbacks | |
| MLB statistics (through 2025 season) | |
| Win–loss record | 16–16 |
| Earned run average | 4.73 |
| Strikeouts | 304 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
Taylor James Clarke (born May 13, 1993) is an American professionalbaseballpitcher for theArizona Diamondbacks ofMajor League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for theKansas City Royals.
Clarke attendedBroad Run High School inAshburn, Virginia, where he played baseball, basketball and golf.[1] He began his college career atTowson University.[2] In January 2013, Clarke tore the ulnar collateral ligament of his pitching elbow, and underwentTommy John surgery. He learned in March that Towson planned on ending their college baseball program, and transferred to theCollege of Charleston.[3]
TheArizona Diamondbacks selected Clarke in the third round of the2015 Major League Baseball draft.[4][5] He signed with the Diamondbacks[6] and spent his professional season with theHillsboro Hops of theLow–ANorthwest League,[7] where he did not give up a run in 21innings pitched. Clarke spent the 2016 season with the Single–AKane County Cougars, High–AVisalia Rawhide, and the Double–AMobile BayBears, where he posted a combined 12–9 record and 3.31 ERA in 149.1innings pitched with the three clubs.[8] In 2017, he played for both the Double–AJackson Generals and the Triple–AReno Aces, pitching to a combined 12–9 record and 3.35 ERA in 145 total innings between both teams.[9] He spent all of 2018 with Triple–A Reno going 13–8 with a 4.03 ERA.
On November 20, 2018, the Diamondbacks added Clarke to their40-man roster to protect him from theRule 5 draft.[10] He opened the 2019 season with Reno. On April 20, he was recalled to the major league roster for the first time.[11] He made his major league debut that afternoon versus theChicago Cubs, recording three scoreless innings in relief and earning a save.[12] His first big-league win came on May 25 at Oracle Park against the San Francisco Giants. He finished the season with a record of 5–5 in 23 games (15 starts).
Clarke joined a small group of Major League pitchers who picked up a win, loss and save in their first three appearances. In 2020, Clarke pitched to a 4.36 ERA with 40 strikeouts in 43.1 innings pitched across 12 appearances (5 starts).[13]
Clarke made 43 appearances out of thebullpen for the Diamondbacks in 2021, registering a 4.98 ERA with 39 strikeouts across43+1⁄3 innings pitched. On November 30, 2021, he was non-tendered by the Diamondbacks, making him a free agent.[14]
On December 1, 2021, Clarke signed a major league contract with theKansas City Royals.[15] In 47 appearances for the Royals in 2022, he registered a 4.04 ERA with 48 strikeouts and 3saves across 49.0 innings of work.[16]
Clarke made 58 appearances for Kansas City in 2023, posting a 5.95 ERA with 65 strikeouts and 3 saves across 59.0 innings pitched.[17]
On December 14, 2023, the Royals traded Clarke to theMilwaukee Brewers in exchange for minor leaguersCam Devanney and Ryan Brady.[18] On March 30, 2024, Clarke underwent surgery to repair atorn meniscus in his right knee, ruling him out for 6–8 weeks.[19] He wasdesignated for assignment following the acquisition ofAaron Civale on July 3.[20] Clarke cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple–ANashville Sounds on July 7.[21] He elected free agency on October 9.[22]
On December 12, 2024, Clarke signed a minor league contract with theKansas City Royals.[23] He began the 2025 season with the Triple-AOmaha Storm Chasers, recording a 4.40 ERA with nine strikeouts over 10 games. On May 1, 2025, the Royals selected Clarke's contract, adding him to their active roster.[24] He made 51 appearances during the regular season, compiling a 1-1 record and 3.25 ERA with 44 strikeouts and one save across55+1⁄3 innings pitched. On November 21, Clarke was non-tendered by Kansas City and became a free agent.[25]
On January 15, 2026, Clarke signed a one-year, $1.55 million contract with theArizona Diamondbacks.[26]
Clarke was born withparalysis of the muscles on the right side of his face.[27]
Clarke and his wife, also named Taylor, have twin sons together.[28]