In MLB, teams are always trying to put an imaginary label on players.
This label tries to determine their trade value by analyzing factors such as how good he is, his age, team control, salary, potential, and more.
When discussing the most valuable trade pieces in baseball, Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase inevitably comes to mind.
During a time in which top relievers can make close to $20 million per year, the Guardians were smart enough to lock up Clase for $20 million… spread over five years, plus two $10 million club options for each of 2027 and 2028.
This happened before the 2022 campaign and it’s one of Chris Antonetti’s finest moves.
If there was any chatter of Cleveland trading Clase back in the offseason, that should be put to rest.
He is just too valuable because of his youth, cheap team control, and elite track record.
“No, the #Guardians are not trading closer Emmanuel Clase unless they are offered an entire team in return… Clase is only owed $4.9MM in 2025, $6.4MM in 2026 and $10MM a season for 2027 and 2028. That’s way too valuable of an asset for that price and fits perfectly on a small market club,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
No, the #Guardians are not trading closer Emmanuel Clase unless they are offered an entire team in return…
Clase is only owed $4.9MM in 2025, $6.4MM in 2026 and $10MM a season for 2027 and 2028.
Thats way to valuable of asset for that price and fits perfectly on a small…
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) March 17, 2025
Imagine having a soon-to-be 27-year-old closer capable of saving 47 games and putting up a 0.61 ERA in 74.1 innings over the course of a full season.
Now picture him making a fraction of what the elite players at his position are making.
That’s a very valuable piece right there, and the Guardians have no reason to even consider a trade that doesn’t start with three top prospects and an established MLB star.
He is just too good, young, and cheap to be moved.
NEXT: Bruce Drennan Makes Bold Statement About Guardians' Bullpen
