It’s been almost a year since Emmanuel Clase made Cleveland Guardians history.
Back in August 2024, he recorded his franchise-best 150th save in a win against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Progressive Field, topping Cody Allen’s previous mark of 149.
However, there are no hard feelings.
If anything, Allen only feels admiration for his colleague.
Talking on “The Carlos Baerga Show,” the former Guardians hurler tipped his hat to Clase:
“I was very proud of that, and I still am proud of that. I’m super honored. It was so fun to watch Clase break it so quick and have some seasons he’s had, and I’m really looking forward to watching him rack up, be in the same conversations as guys like Kenley Jansen and Craig Kimbrel. I pray that that guy stays healthy,” Allen said.
Cody Allen was honored to have Emmanuel Clase pass his franchise save record. #GuardsBall
"It was so fun to watch Clase break it so quickly, but I'm looking forward to watching him rack them up and be in conversations with Craig Kimbrel and Kenley Jansen."
– Cody Allen… pic.twitter.com/XlpiGbeWz7
— Carlos Baerga Show (@BaergaShow) June 16, 2025
Clase has been one of the best closers in baseball for years.
Notably, that’s why it was such a shame when he started this season on a down note, as not having him at the peak of his powers could’ve spelled disaster.
Manager Steven Vogt gave him some days off to get back to full strength and rediscover his groove, and fortunately, it seems like it worked.
While Clase hasn’t been as dominant as he was last season, and there will be some lingering concerns after watching him crumble under pressure in the 2024 ALCS against the New York Yankees, he’s looked more like his usual self.
So far, he’s 4-1 with a 3.94 ERA, a 1.449 WHIP and 32 strikeouts in 29.2 innings.
He also has 14 saves to take his career total to 172.
The Guardians have struggled to get much going on offense this season, and they’re not the kind of team that’s going to wow anybody with power.
That’s why they can’t afford Clase being anything less than his best.
NEXT: Guardians Reveal Intriguing All-Star Update Involving 2 Players
