Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
Closer Emmanuel Clase, who turned in a dominating performance for Cleveland in 2021, has signed a five-year deal worth $20 million with the Guardians, multiple outlets reported Saturday.
Pending a physical, the deal puts Clase under contract in Cleveland through at least 2026, with the potential to stick around longer. The New York Post is reporting that the deal includes $10 million options for 2027 and 2028 as well as a $2 million signing bonus.
The right-handed Clase, a product of the Dominican Republic, recorded a stellar 1.29 ERA over 69 2/3 innings with 24 saves — tied for fifth in the American League — last year.
The 24-year-old struck out 74 batters while finishing fifth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting.
The Guardians acquired Clase from Texas in 2019 as part of the deal in which right-hander Corey Kluber went to Rangers. He issued 21 strikeouts over 23 1/3 innings in 2019 with Texas.
The Rangers had acquired Clase from the San Diego Padres in 2018.
Clase’s 2020 season was ended when he was handed an 80-game PED suspension in May of that year. The commissioner’s office at the time said he tested positive for the anabolic steroid Boldenone.
–Field Level Media