Report: Cubs interested in Guardians closer Clase

The Chicago Cubs are showing interest in trading for Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase, sources told 670 The Score's Bruce Levine.

Chicago is in the hunt for a closer but isn't interested in spending a lot of finances on the position, which is one of the reasons Clase is so appealing, according to Levine. The 25-year-old flamethrower is due $2.9 million during the 2024 season and is under club control through 2026 with $10-million club options in 2027 and 2028.

The Guardians were said to be open to trading the All-Star reliever as of Dec. 1, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Last season, the Cubs' bullpen combined to finish 12th in FIP and 13th in ERA while ranking 15th in fWAR, 17th in win probability added, and 24th in saves.

Clase could help address these areas after saving 44 games and posting a 2.71 FIP in 75 games for the Guardians last season.