Mets making progress on a trade for Tyler Clippard

The New York Mets are making progress on a trade for Athletics' right-handed reliever Tyler Clippard, reports Ken Rosenthal and Jon Morosi of FOX Sports. 

The team reported that there are other teams still in play for Clippard, however, a deal is expected soon. Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reported yesterday evening that the A's could trade Clippard as soon as today. 

By no means has the Mets' bullpen been bad this season, ranking third in the league in ERA from that group, and eighth in xFIP. Though, if there's one upgrade that practically every contending team could make, it is in the bullpen, where strong performances could really make-or-break a team's postseason run. 

One would wonder if the Mets and Athletics are working on a trade for both Clippard and teammate Ben Zobrist. The Mets have shown a need for infield and outfield help and Zobrist would fit the bill for both those needs. 

On the season, Clippard is 1-3 with a 2.79 ERA (3.89 FIP) in 38 2/3 innings pitched this season. In his 37 appearances out of the bullpen, he has a 38 to 21 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

--Devan Fink

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