PORT ST. LUCIE — Francisco Lindor has recently been getting more time at shortstop after recovering from a hamate bone injury he sustained in the spring.
Jackson Clough, a 29-year-old who has mostly played in the minor leagues, is trying to make his mark. An example of his skills came during a game in Jupiter, Florida, where he made an impressive play by grounding out deep into the hole and making a strong throw for the first out.
It’s uncertain how Clough will end up with the Queens team this season, but he hasn’t dismissed the possibility. His professional path has been quite unique; he’s reached Triple-A but not yet the majors.
Clough, a practicing Mormon, attended BYU, where he took two years off from both school and baseball after his freshman year to serve a church mission.
While his peers continued their baseball journeys, Clough committed himself to a volunteer mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “It’s not mandatory, but for someone raised in the faith, it’s often expected if called upon. My dad did it, and my brother is currently on a mission,” Clough shared.
Initially unsure about his decision to attend BYU, Clough now feels certain it was the right call.
“I knew I wanted to do this, and I took a two-year break from my career. Everyone supported me, saying, ‘Just do what you want,’” Clough said.
He ended up serving in Atlanta, rather than in more distant locations like some of his friends. Clough humorously recalled his surprise upon finding out his assignment. “You should’ve seen my face! My dad went to Norway, and my father-in-law was in Japan. Friends went to Mexico and Brazil, but I was assigned to Atlanta—it was fantastic!”
During his mission, Clough focused on community service and conversion.
“We knock on doors and engage with people around the city,” Clough explained about his time in Atlanta.
After two years, he returned to BYU, stepping back into college life as a 22-year-old sophomore.
“I needed a strong season because I wanted to play professionally. Most players get drafted as juniors at 21,” he said.
Clough made his case and ended his season well, leading him to a sixth-round selection by the Nationals in the 2019 amateur draft. “When I told teams, ‘If you pick me, I’m in,’” he recounted confidently.
His first full season in pro baseball was interrupted by COVID-19, but he managed to get promoted to Triple-A in 2024, where he spent the entirety of last year.
This season, he hopes to “help this team win a game at the Major League level.” He’s clearly aware that breaking into the Mets’ crowded infield will be a challenge, yet he appreciates every experience he’s had in the minor leagues.
“The only time my religion comes up in the clubhouse is when people challenge me about taking two years off,” Clough noted. The personal growth and faith development he found during his mission hold greater significance for him than baseball. “It gave me direction,” he said.
Regarding his Major League aspirations, Clough acknowledged, “Anything is possible as long as you wear that jersey.”
