REPORT: Cubs Seeking To Exchange For Guardians’ Clase, Emmanuel
Emmanuel Clase, the closer for the Cleveland Guardians, is allegedly a trade target for the Chicago Cubs.In less than a month, pitchers and catchers report to spring training. Still, with some of the best free players available, the offseason is far from over. Teams may look to trade as a backup plan in response to these impending choices.
This could apply to the Chicago Cubs, as it has been rumored that they are monitoring Emmanuel Clase, the closer for the Cleveland Guardians. According to baseball analyst Bruce Levine of WCSR-AM and 670thescore.com, the Cubs are considering a trade for Clase.
This is not the first offseason that trade rumors involving Clase have surfaced. Prior to the Winter Meeting, Jeff Passan stated that Cleveland was willing to trade him. Then, shortly before the new year, Ken Rosenthal provided more details on the circumstances and revealed that the Guardians could bundle Shane Bieber and Clase together to get the best return possible for the two pitchers.
Clase is coming off a mixed 2023 season in which he led the American League in save percentage and blown save percentage. He had a 3.22 ERA, 1.156 ERA, and 2.91 FIP at the end of the season. The 25-year-old’s deal reveals his true worth. Before the 2022 season, Clase inked a $20 million, five-year contract deal. This indicates that he is bound under an extremely team-friendly contract until 2028.
Before the 2023 season, Edwin Diaz inked the largest reliever contract of its kind, a five-year, $102 million deal. Josh Hader, an All-Star closer, is still able to sign a contract and hopes to surpass that feat. In the event that the Guardians decide to trade Clase, they may undoubtedly obtain something valuable in exchange. Will Cleveland make a move if the Cubs make an offer that is compelling enough?