Relievers are seen as perhaps the most volatile assets in baseball.
One year, they are at the top, but the next season, they could suffer a career-altering injury, lose some velocity, or have the league figure them out, among other possible scenarios.
Still, despite a slow start to his 2025 campaign, Cleveland Guardians’ closer Emmanuel Clase has remained steady and consistent through the years.
The Guardians’ all-time and single-season leader in saves is one of the most polarizing players on the roster.
Some see him as an indispensable piece due to his consistent greatness, track record, age, and salary, while others want him gone because they can’t trust him in October.
The key question here is, would the Guardians be willing to trade him?
Guardians host and analyst Al Pawlowski weighed in.
“If somebody comes forward with a great offer for Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase, I could see that move being made,” Al Pawlowski said.
.@AlPawlowski on @afternoon923FAN: If somebody comes forward with a great offer for #Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase, I could see that move being madehttps://t.co/aGEZ9IkZF9
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) July 9, 2025
It’s not like Cleveland is actively shopping their high-leverage reliever.
However, they also know that relief pitching is one of the most in-demand positions ahead of every trade deadline, and contenders are desperate for bullpen help.
Even if the Guardians trade Clase, they could still theoretically contend if they add some offensive pieces.
It remains to be seen if Cleveland decides to trade a 27-year-old star with a career 1.84 ERA, who already has more saves than anyone in franchise history and is under cheap control through 2028 if the team exercises a couple of no-brainer options.
If they do, they would likely get a very nice return package.
A trade is not likely, but it’s certainly possible.
NEXT: Guardians Send 2024 Bullpen Hero To Triple-A
