Three Best Trade Destinations for Cleveland Guardians Star Closer Emmanuel Clase
Every MLB contender is eager to enhance its bullpen as the trade deadline approaches, but what if a team goes a step further and trades for one of the best closers in baseball, Cleveland Guardians’ Emmanuel Clase? As of July 24, Cleveland holds a record of 51-51 and is 8.5 games behind in the American League Central, but they are also just three games short of an AL wild-card spot. Reports suggest that the Guardians are open to trade offers for several of their top players, including Clase.
Securing the two-time Reliever of the Year from Cleveland won’t be easy, given that the 27-year-old Clase is under team control until 2028. However, one determined team looking to make a postseason push could make a compelling trade offer. Here are the three best destinations for Clase.
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
Emmanuel Clase is a three-time All-Star, and the idea of the Dodgers making a major trade to fill a gap might seem surprising. However, despite their impressive two-year spending history, L.A. finds itself in need of bullpen help. As of Thursday, the Dodgers have a 3.87 ERA, ranking 23rd in MLB. Tanner Scott, who the Dodgers signed to a four-year, $72 million contract last offseason, has blown seven saves this season and has a 4.14 ERA. betso88 sign up bonus Fellow free-agent acquisition Kirby Yates has also underperformed with a 4.45 ERA.
Clase would instantly become the Dodgers’ closer, allowing Scott, who is currently on the injured list with elbow inflammation, to transition into a set-up role once he returns. A right-handed pitcher who primarily throws a cutter mixed with a slider, Clase can hit triple digits on the radar gun and has built a reputation as one of the most challenging relievers to hit in baseball. He would help a Dodgers bullpen that is currently allowing 1.13 home runs per nine innings (27th in MLB), providing much-needed late-game stability for manager Dave Roberts.
The Dodgers could structure a trade offer around right-handers Ben Casparius and Edgardo Henriquez, along with outfield prospects Eduardo Quintero or Mike Sirota. However, the Dodgers might hesitate if they feel they could acquire one or two quality relievers for a lower price while hoping Scott or Yates performs better as the season progresses.
2. Detroit Tigers
It’s no secret that making a divisional trade, especially for a player of Clase’s caliber, is a tall order. However, a trade between the AL Central-rival Tigers and Guardians for Clase could yield significant benefits. Will Vest has been a strong performer as the Tigers’ full-time closer this season, with a 2.23 ERA over 41 appearances. Yet, Detroit’s bullpen has a 3.83 ERA, ranking 22nd in the league.
Acquiring Clase would allow Vest to shift back to a set-up role, a position where he has previously excelled. A formidable duo of Clase and Vest would create one of the best relief pairings in baseball. Clase would enhance a Tigers bullpen that averages 8.1 strikeouts per nine innings (24th in MLB). Additionally, the Tigers boast an improved offense, currently sixth in MLB for runs scored (491), supported by a strong starting rotation featuring 2024 AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize.
The Tigers might consider an offer including catcher/first baseman Thayron Liranzo and right-hander Troy Melton. However, they could also decide against pursuing Clase, believing that bolstering their middle-to-long relief roles might offer more benefits than investing in a ninth-inning upgrade when their current setup is already satisfactory.
1. Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies desperately need bullpen assistance, and Clase presents a compelling solution. Free agent addition Jordan Romano (6.69 ERA) has struggled to return to All-Star form in Philadelphia, and veteran reliever Jose Alvarado is ineligible for postseason play due to performance-enhancing substance use. The Phillies require solid options in their bullpen’s backend.
Interestingly, Clase’s WHIP this season is at a career-high of 1.20, which some might consider “below par” for him, yet he still maintains a 2.74 ERA. This season is a contrast to last year, during which he boasted a remarkable 0 jilislot.ph.61 ERA and a 0.66 WHIP. Clase’s intimidating presence would fortify a Phillies bullpen, which ranked 19th in MLB with a 3.64 ERA and allowed 1.12 home runs per nine innings (tied for 25th) as of Thursday. is bk8 legal in malaysia
Philadelphia could structure a package for Clase around infield prospect Aroon Escobar and outfielder Gabriel Rincones Jr., a 2022 third-round pick, among others. This move would secure Clase long-term through 2028, providing not just immediate relief but stability moving forward php 365. With Clase in the ninth inning, manager Rob Thomson could trust in Orion Kerkering and Tanner Banks to continue improving as valuable late-inning options. Should Romano find his rhythm, this would deepen the bullpen further.
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