The Cleveland Guardians had a disappointing 2023 season, finishing third in the AL Central with a 76-86 record. However, one of their bright spots is always their rock at the back end of their bullpen, Emmanuel Clase. Clase has established himself as one of the game's best closers. In the last few days, it has become apparent that the Guardians are listening to offers for Clase and will trade him for the "right offer", per Jeff Passan of ESPN.
As stated, Clase has been atop of the game's closers. Last season, he finished with 44 saves and a 3.22 ERA. His earned run average may seem a bit high, but it's nothing concerning as Clase has a proven track record. Being just three years ahead of his star-studded back to back 2021 (1.29 ERA) and 2022 (1.36 ERA), Clase is going to be very sought after, if Cleveland decides to move on.
Early in the 2022 season, Cleveland inked Clase to a five-year, $20 million contract extension that included affordable $10 million club options for the 2027-28 seasons (each with a $2 million buyout). He's entering the third season of that deal, slated to earn $2.5 million this coming season, $4.5 million the following year and $6 million in 2026, per MLB trade rumors (X).
Since the report was first published, there has not been any clubs publicly discussing Clase, but it is clear there will be many clubs calling Cleveland. Good closers are a dime a dozen in today's game, given how great Clase has been over the last three seasons, whichever bullpen he ends up in, he'll be just as dominant as ever.
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