Position: LHP
Born: 2/14/1995
Ht: 6’2″ Wt: 215 lb
Acquired: Received from New York Yankees in the Tommy Kahnle/David Robertson/Todd Frazier trade, July 2017
Career Stats
FutureSox Prospect Rankings
- #22 – 2017 Midseason
- #23 – 2018 Preseason
FutureSox Media
- Trade story, July 2017
- Cubs claim Clarkin off waivers, Nov. 2018
- All FutureSox articles tagged Ian Clarkin
Scouting Report
Clarkin was selected 33rd overall by the New York Yankees in the 2013 draft, one selection behind prodigious slugger Aaron Judge. The San Diego prep pitcher’s career has been plagued by injuries: an ankle that cut his 2013 season short, lingering elbow problems that cost him his entire 2015 campaign, and a torn meniscus in his knee that ended his 2016 season in July. Clarkin pitched well in High-A Tampa in 2017, posting a 2.62 ERA as a starter, with 58 strikeouts to 25 walks over 75.2 innings. He made just three starts for Winston-Salem after the trade, but completed his first healthy professional season. In 2018, Ian struggled through 9 starts for Double-A Birmingham (6.29 ERA, 24:21 BB:K) before adding yet another injury to his resume (tweaked groin this time) and hitting the DL. He rehabbed for three games in Arizona, then was assigned back down to Winston-Salem in mid-July.
The Cubs claimed Clarkin after he was left unprotected in a 40-man roster crunch.
Clarkin has three pitches that he commands and project as at least average offerings. According to MLB Pipeline, his fastball has gained velocity, sitting 90-93 MPH, and topping out at 95 with some sink. His most consistent offspeed pitch is a curveball with lots of break to it. In addition to the curve, Clarkin features a change-up and a developing slider.