Report: Guardians open to trading All-Star closer Clase
The Cleveland Guardians might rely on someone else to finish games for them next season.
Cleveland is open to trading All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan.
Clase would be an attractive back-end option for teams seeking a shutdown reliever on a team-friendly contract. The 25-year-old led MLB in saves in each of the last two seasons while posting dominating strikeout numbers thanks to an elite cutter that averages 99 mph.
He's set to earn just $2.9 million in 2024, which will be followed by salaries of $4.9 million in 2025, $6.4 million in 2026, and $10-million options in each of 2027 and 2028.
Cleveland could turn to former Kansas City Royals pitcher Scott Barlow - acquired during a November trade with the San Diego Padres - at closer if it trades Clase.
The Guardians have already traded a starter from last season in Cal Quantrill and are expected to deal ace Shane Bieber, who's been mentioned in numerous offseason trade rumors.