Denzel Clarke
Denzel Clarke | |
---|---|
Athletics – No. 1 | |
Outfielder | |
Born: Toronto, Ontario, Canada | May 1, 2000|
Bats: Right Throws: Right | |
MLB debut | |
May 23, 2025, for the Athletics | |
MLB statistics (through July 6, 2025) | |
Batting average | .205 |
Home runs | 3 |
Runs batted in | 8 |
Stats at Baseball Reference | |
Teams | |
Denzel Leslie Clarke (born May 1, 2000) is a Canadian professional baseball outfielder for the Athletics of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2025.
Career
Clarke attended Everest Academy in Thornhill, Ontario, Canada. He was drafted by the New York Mets in the 36th round of the 2018 Major League Baseball Draft, but did not sign and played college baseball at California State University, Northridge.[1][2] After three years at Northridge, he was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the fourth round of the 2021 MLB Draft and signed.
Clarke made his professional debut with the Arizona Complex League Athletics. He started 2022 with the Stockton Ports before being promoted to the Lansing Lugnuts.[3] In July, he was selected to play in the All-Star Futures Game.[4] In 93 games split between the two affiliates, Clarke batted a combined .248/.365/.469 with 15 home runs, 47 RBI, and 30 stolen bases. Clarke spent the 2023 season with the Double-A Midland RockHounds, playing in 64 contests and hitting .261/.381/.496 with 12 home runs, 43 RBI, and 11 stolen bases.[5]
Clarke returned to Midland for the 2024 campaign, playing in 116 games and slashing .269/.339/.446 with 13 home runs, 53 RBI, and 36 stolen bases. Following the season, the Athletics added Clarke to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.[6]
Clarke was optioned to the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators to begin the 2025 season.[7] In 31 appearances for the Aviators, he batted .286/.436/.419 with 21 RBI and seven stolen bases.[8]
On May 23, 2025, Clarke was promoted to the major leagues for the first time.[9] He hit his first major league home run on May 31, against the Toronto Blue Jays.[10] In his first season he became known for several notable wall climbs, robbing batters of home runs.[11]
Personal life
Clarke is a cousin of baseball players Josh, Bo, and Myles Naylor.[3][12]
Clarke's mother is heptathlete Donna Smellie,[13] while his uncle Kevin Smellie formerly played in the Canadian Football League for the Toronto Argonauts, and another cousin, Gavin Smellie, is a sprinter.[14][15]
References
- ^ "Pickering outfielder Denzel Clarke drafted by New York Mets". June 8, 2018.
- ^ "Denzel Clarke's Success a Credit to Continued Development".
- ^ a b Gilberto, Gerard (August 26, 2022). "Prospect Q&A: A's outfielder Clarke". MILB.com. Retrieved June 15, 2025.
- ^ "A's prospects Shea Langeliers, Denzel Clarke selected to Futures Game". July 7, 2022.
- ^ "Oakland Athletics Prospect: Recapping Denzel Clarke's 2023 Season". whitecleatbeat.com. Retrieved April 3, 2025.
- ^ "A's To Select Gunnar Hoglund, Ryan Cusick". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
- ^ "Athletics' Denzel Clarke: Heads to minor-league camp". cbssports.com. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
- ^ Gallegos, Martín (May 24, 2025). "New-look A's call up No. 5 prospect Clarke, option Bleday and DFA Brown". MLB.com.
- ^ "Athletics Designate Seth Brown For Assignment, Option JJ Bleday". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ Gallegos, Martin (May 31, 2025). "One day after a stunning steal of a HR, Clarke hits the 1st of his MLB career". MLB.com.
- ^ Diamond, Jared (June 18, 2025). "He's Baseball's Most Spectacular Home Run Thief—and He's Known as Spider-Man". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
- ^ Gallegos, Martin (March 11, 2025). "For A's No. 6 prospect Clarke, Spring Breakout is a family affair". MLB.
- ^ Gallegos, Martin (June 10, 2025). "Who gave Clarke the biggest lift toward acrobatic catches? Mom". MLB.com. Retrieved June 15, 2025.
- ^ Callis, Jim (October 8, 2024). "'Never satisfied,' A's No. 10 prospect off to the races in Arizona Fall League". MILB.com. Retrieved June 15, 2025.
- ^ Worden, Zach (May 23, 2025). "Prospect of Interest: Athletics recall Canadian outfielder Denzel Clarke". Sportsnet. Retrieved June 15, 2025.
External links
- Career statistics from MLB · Baseball Reference · Baseball Reference (Minors)
- Cal State Northridge Matadors bio