Kody Clemens, son of New York Yankees legend Roger Clemens, is once again staring down the harsh realities of life on the roster bubble. On Wednesday, the Philadelphia Phillies announced they had designated the 28-year-old utility man for assignment, a move later confirmed by NJ.com.
Yankees legend’s son designated for assignment by Phillies
With the designation, Philadelphia has five days to trade Clemens or place him on waivers. Due to being out of minor-league options, any team that acquires him would be required to add him directly to its major-league roster.
The DFA clears a spot for Weston Wilson, who was activated from the injured list.
Clemens has struggled to gain traction at the major-league level. In limited action this season, he went hitless in seven plate appearances across seven games, managing one walk without a strikeout. It’s a continuation of a career that has shown occasional flashes of power but little sustained success.
Last season, Clemens split time between Philadelphia and Triple-A. In 44 games at the big-league level, he hit .219/.258/.447 with five home runs and 18 RBIs in 120 plate appearances. He spent 68 games at Triple-A and also contributed in the postseason, going 2-for-5 in the National League Division Series against the Mets.
Still, the numbers don’t lie. Over 402 MLB plate appearances, Clemens has slashed .197/.244/.367 with 14 homers and 38 RBIs—a 68 OPS+, well below league average. His defensive versatility has been a plus, with appearances across the infield and outfield, but without a standout position or bat, the odds are stacked against him.
Clemens’ path forward likely involves a return to Triple-A if he clears waivers. Whether another team sees potential in the former third-round pick remains to be seen. With his limited options and modest production, he’d be a long shot to stick on a contender’s active roster.
While Roger Clemens dominated the mound in pinstripes and carved out a Yankees legacy worthy of Cooperstown consideration, his son is still trying to find solid footing in the big leagues. Kody Clemens may have the bloodlines of a Yankees icon, but MLB is proving to be a much tougher climb.
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