D-backs reportedly sign former Cubs pitching prospect to minor league deal
Jan 10, 2020, 7:33 AM
Manager Torey Lovullo #17 of the Arizona Diamondbacks watches from the dugout during the fourth inning of the MLB game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field on September 01, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Arizona Diamondbacks have reportedly signed a former top pitching prospect of the Chicago Cubs to a minor league deal.
Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY reported Thursday the D-backs signed Trevor Clifton, the Cubs’ Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2016.
Clifton has an invite to spring training, according to Nightengale.
The 24-year-old was part of the Cubs organization for seven years after being selected in the twelfth round of the 2013 draft.
He broke out in the 2016 season, posting an ERA of 2.72 striking out 129 batters in 119 innings, an average of 9.8 strikeouts per nine innings. He only allowed four home runs that year.
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That was in Single-A Plus. He struggled the next year in Double-A as his ERA skyrocketed to 5.20 in 100.1 innings.
Clifton bounced back in 2018, posting a combined 3.43 ERA between Double- and Triple-A.
Last season, he posted an ERA of 5.18 in Triple-A.
Clifton made news last year when the Des Moines Register reported on his tiny house, a 104-square-foot dwelling he lived in.
The D-backs will get a look at Clifton in spring training before deciding on his role with the organization for the immediate future.
