Over the last couple of months, reports have surfaced indicating that the Cleveland Guardians might be willing to part with star closer Emmanuel Clase in the right deal.
They are not actively shopping: chances are they let the report sneak by around MLB executives to gauge his trade value.
If Cleveland is offered a nice package of young hitters and prospects, they might consider trading him.
They don’t have to, though.
A Guardians fans reminded us why Clase is so valuable.
Hint: They didn’t even mention his numbers.
Yes, Clase is top-notch, but it’s his contract that makes him so extremely valuable.
“Emmanuel Clase will be under contract for those same 5 seasons and will make just over $34M, or 1/3 the cost of Hader. And if you decide he’s not worth $10M in a few years? He’s on a 3 year, $14M contract,” @JakerBraney tweeted, while quoting a post that explained Josh Hader’s contract terms (five years, $95 million).
Emmanuel Clase will be under contract for those same 5 seasons and will make just over $34M, or 1/3 the cost of Hader.
And if you decide he’s not worth $10M in a few years? He’s on a 3 year, $14M contract. https://t.co/dMQHg6ImfZ
— #TheJAKE (@JakerBrahney) January 19, 2024
On April 2, 2022, the Guardians signed one of their best extensions in recent memory.
That day, they reached a five-year, $20 million extension with Clase, including club options for 2027 and 2028 worth $10 million each.
Even the options are extremely cheap for a man who has a 2.00 (!) career ERA.
You can imagine the rest of the deal is even more team-friendly.
So Clase is young, great, and cheap for a long time: that all adds up to one of the relievers with the most trade value in baseball.
Even if the Guardians decide to rebuild, trading him makes no sense unless they receive two blue-chip, can’t-miss, near MLB-ready prospects and probably more than that.
The bottom line is that he is almost as good as Hader, but much cheaper and younger.
NEXT: Video Shows Young Guardians Player Putting In Important Work
