The Cleveland Guardians have never been the type of team that takes big risks at the trade deadline.
If anything, they usually take a long-term approach by trading away their big-name players to keep adding more talent to their already-stacked farm system.
That’s why some people believe that they could be looking to move on from Emmanuel Clase.
Clase hasn’t looked as sharp this season as he usually does.
Nevertheless, Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com believes that moving on from him would be a huge mistake, and he shared some numbers to back up his claim:
“Clase has not had any significant arm problems. From 2022-24, he saved 133 games. The next most in the majors was Josh Hader (103). His career ERA dating back to 2019 (as a rookie with Texas) is 1.84,” Pluto wrote. “If the Guardians do trade Clase, they better receive a lot in return. Finding pitchers who can consistently close games at a high level for multiple seasons is a major challenge. Then add in Clase’s age (27), durability and contract and he is extremely valuable.”
Clase is one of the best closers in the game, even when he’s not at his best.
He struggled last year in the playoffs against the New York Yankees, and he got off to a shaky start this season, raising concerns about the wear and tear he has endured over the past couple of years.
Then again, that doesn’t mean he’s in decline.
Fortunately for Pluto, the fans, and those who want Clase to stay in Cleveland, a recent report claimed that the Guardians had made him untouchable in any trade talks.
They also want to hold onto Cade Smith, who’s been the best reliever on the team this season.
The Guardians aren’t likely to make many – if any – big moves at the trade deadline, and they will just have to get by with this core.
Still, keeping Clase for the long run might be the way to go, even if this season is a bit of a waste.
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