The Cleveland Guardians like to wheel and deal.
It’s not a secret: a team that almost doesn’t spend in free agency has to be active in trade talks whenever possible.
It’s probably why the Guards want to trade Shane Bieber, to fill their need for quality bats while using a valuable piece.
Over the winter, the rumor involving Emmanuel Clase being available in trade conversations became popular.
Even though a deal was, and still is, unlikely (Clase is good, young, and cheap), the rumor isn’t dead.
It’s very much alive.
“’The Cubs have interest in 25-year-old Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase on the trade market,’ per @MLBBruceLevine,” Cubs Zone tweeted.
“The Cubs have interest in 25-year-old Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase on the trade market,” per @MLBBruceLevine.
Full article here: https://t.co/IXlRzkdXCk pic.twitter.com/mxTPD8VQKd
— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) January 16, 2024
If Clase was otherworldly in 2021 and 2022 (1.29 and 1.36 ERA finishes, respectively), he was more mortal in 2023, with a 3.22 ERA in 72.2 frames.
He still showed that excellent cutter, and he still saved 44 games.
He might not be a low-1.00s ERA pitcher, but he is better than what he showed in 2023.
That makes him one of the very best relievers in the game, and the Guardians aren’t just going to give him away.
The Cubs might be interested, but in order to pry him away from Cleveland, they will have to prepare an extremely enticing package centered on position players, not pitchers.
As stated, the Guardians are not particularly likely to deal their All-Star closer so close to spring training, but it’s a good idea to check, every now and then, how other teams value their stars.
The Guardians still need to bring in offensive reinforcements, though.
Anything is possible.
NEXT: Guardians Show Off Must-See Triston McKenzie Update
