MLB Rumors: Top 4 Trade Destinations For Guardians Emmanuel Clase

After a two-season run from 2021-2022, the Cleveland Guardians' Emmanuel Clase was the best closer in baseball, compiling ridiculous numbers like a 1.33 ERA and 66 saves over that time. In 2023 he came a bit more down to earth, while still posting 44 saves, he did blow 12 of his 56 save opportunities. And his ERA rose to 3.22. None of this is making him untradeable by any means, but his value is perhaps a bit lower than in previous years. 

Nevertheless, with the recent run on free agent closer taking all sorts of elite bullpen options off the board, teams in need will come calling on Cleveland once again. And it will still take a massive haul of a package to get him.

Here now, a look at three top trade destinations for Clase, should the Guards decide to move him. 

Chicago Cubs

A team that's still looking to make some big splashes this offseason, the Cubs made it through last season with Adbert Alzolay as their closer, and he did notch 20 saves from June 9 on. But Clase would put their bullpen in a completely different... class, and take them to that contender status they so desire. 

Los Angeles Dodgers

A team that has plenty of prospects to offer Cleveland, and is still looking to upgrade its bullpen after shoring up every other aspect of the roster with huge moves this offseason. Former MLB GM Jim Bowden has said on MLB Network Radio, "Don't be surprised if the Dodgers make a trade for Emmanuel Clase."

Philadelphia Phillies

Here's a team that has had uncertainty in its bullpen for years now. Craig Kimbrel is gone (most Phillie fans would say for the better), but obviously the team is looking for another late-inning arm to supplement Jose Alvarado, as they were linked to free agents Josh Hader, Jordan Hicks and Robert Stephenson before they all signed elsewhere in recent days and weeks. 

San Diego Padres

Hader is gone, and of the eight relievers on the Padres 40-man roster, they have a total of one save among them. Sure, they hope that Robert Suarez and international signings Yuki Matsui and Woo Suk Go can combine at the back-end of games for them, but it would make things so much easier to have a reliable and proven star in the bullpen like Clase, wouldn't it?

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