The Cleveland Guardians are in an awkward position.
On the one hand, they’re still in the race for an AL Wild Card spot.
On the other hand, they might not believe strongly enough in this team to give them a chance to prove their worth.
That’s why Emmanuel Clase has been mentioned in so many trade rumors.
According to FOX MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, the closer is of interest to multiple teams heading toward the trade deadline.
However, given Clase’s team-friendly contract, the Guardians might not be motivated to deal him.
“Relievers will be on the move. There is going to be a considerable focus on the AL Central — the Guardians with Emmanuel Clase and the [Minnesota] Twins with Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax. Now, there are some caveats here. These teams are still in it. Like a lot of teams, they do not want to concede. At the same time, they may look at this as a buy-sell type situation. The other problem, though, is that all of those guys I just mentioned — Clase and Jax and Duran — they’re under club control beyond this season. Clase is cheap through 2028 if they exercise options,” Rosenthal said.
What will the Yankees' plans be before the trade deadline? Also, what key relievers will be on the move? @Ken_Rosenthal has the latest: pic.twitter.com/Momud359ue
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 14, 2025
Reports have said that the Guardians have told other teams that Clase is off the table as they try to keep their once-stellar bullpen intact.
Then again, things can change quickly, and if someone makes a compelling offer, the Guardians might reconsider their stance on Clase.
He hasn’t been as dominant this season as he was in the past, and he left plenty to be desired in the ALCS against the New York Yankees last season.
Yet, there’s no world in which the Guardians would have a better chance to compete or make a deep postseason run without him.
If the Guardians choose to move on from one of the best closers in the game, they might be giving up on the season.
NEXT: Carlos Baerga Gets Honest About Guardians' Playoff Chances
