The Cleveland Guardians have consistently been a playoff contender in recent years, often even after they trade All-Star players to reduce payroll. With the salary for All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase steadily increasing over the next four seasons, clubs have been eyeing him ahead of the MLB trade deadline.
Appearing on MLB Network, insider Jon Morosi said that the “odds are still against” Cleveland trading Clase this year despite interest from around the league.
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- Emmanuel Clase contract (Spotrac): $4.9 million salary (2025), $6.4 million salary (2026), $10 million club options (2027-’28)
Clase’s salary increased by $2 million this season and will climb by another $1.5 million next year. Furthermore, entering MLB games today, Cleveland would find itself outside of the playoff field in the American League, and its run differential (-37) is much worse than that of playoff contenders.
Theoretically, Cleveland wouldn’t necessarily have to be sellers even if it traded Clase. The club could move him for hitting, seeking to upgrade a lineup that ranks 26th in runs scored (297), OBP (.298), and slugging (.367) this season.
- Emmanuel Clase stats (ESPN): 3.38 ERA< 1.47 WHIP, 36-10 K-BB ratio
While Clase’s ERA is higher than usual, it largely stems from a rough start to the season. In his first 13.1 innings pitched, Clase allowed 23 hits and 10 earned runs. However, the 27-year-old closer now sports a 1.27 ERA with a 22-7 K-BB ratio and just 18 hits allowed in his last 21.1 innings pitched.
Even if the Guardians struggle in July, it seems evident the team has no intention of moving Clase this summer. While that stance could change this winter before his salary jumps, there’s no reason to believe right now that Clase will be traded.
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