The Cleveland Guardians were finally trending up.
Following one of the worst months in franchise history, the bats had finally woken up, and the team was getting it done at the plate.
That’s why the timing of Emmanuel Clase’s leave couldn’t be any worse.
Not only does this rule him out as a potential trade chip, but it also leaves a big void in the bullpen.
With that in mind, Tony Rizzo had a simple message about this team.
Talking on ESPN Cleveland’s “The Really Big Show,” he assessed the Guardians’ aspirations:
“The Guards are done,” Rizzo said. “Emmanuel Clase made it easy for the front office to operate with the trade deadline.”
The Emmanuel Clase investigation is another major blow to the Guardians @TheRealTRizzo @HammerNation19 pic.twitter.com/w7pc88TdLo
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) July 29, 2025
Truth be told, it’s hard to disagree with that statement.
Prior to this news, there was still a minor chance that the front office would choose to either acquire a cheap bat or to stay put.
Now, there’s little incentive to do any of that, knowing that their postseason chances got significantly slimmer.
Even if they do make the playoffs, which they still could, given their easy schedule and current position, not having Clase out there and not getting anything in return for his services could be a massive blow.
Clase hadn’t been as stellar this season, but he was still one of the best closers in all of baseball.
And even though there was always a chance that they would trade him and bump Cade Smith to the closer role, not getting anything in a trade changes everything.
This front office has rarely been motivated to make moves, and Clase just gave them the perfect excuse.
NEXT: Guardians Executive Reveals Trade Deadline Update Amid Investigations
