Now that the Los Angeles Dodgers have signed Yoshinobu Yamamoto, one would think they would take the foot off the gas.
They acquired Tyler Glasnow and signed Shohei Ohtani, too, in addition to the Japanese ace.
That’s far from the case, though: LA still has work to do, and there are other areas of the roster they want to address.
An MLB insider thinks they could target Cleveland Guardians star closer Emmanuel Clase via trade.
“‘The Dodgers are pedal to the metal. It’s not going to stop.’ After reportedly signing Yoshinobu Yamamoto to a 12-year, $325 million contract, our own @JimBowdenGM reports that the #Dodgers aren’t done trying to add,” MLB Network Radio tweeted.
"The Dodgers are pedal to the metal. It's not going to stop."
After reportedly signing Yoshinobu Yamamoto to a 12-year, $325 million contract, our own @JimBowdenGM reports that the #Dodgers aren't done trying to add 👀@Dodgers | #HotStove pic.twitter.com/oeIZQD4xs8
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) December 22, 2023
Jim Bowden, currently an analyst and formerly an MLB general manager, says the Dodgers aren’t done.
The Guardians have reportedly made Clase available via trade in order to have a better chance of landing an impact bat or two.
Clase is actually one of their most valuable players: he is signed to an affordable, long-term contract, he is young (25), he is excellent (2.00 career ERA), and he has a long track record of success.
Last season, Clase saved 44 games and had a 3.22 ERA.
Amazingly enough, that last number was seen as disappointing by some, considering he finished with a 1.29 ERA in 2021 and a 1.36 mark in 2022.
If the Guardians decide to trade Clase to the Dodgers, one would expect a significant package of players and prospects in return.
Cleveland’s preference would be to move Shane Bieber, but teams apparently aren’t offering the quality of players the Guardians would like.
NEXT: Guardians Highlight Their Elite New Trio
