Cubs Reportedly Among Teams 'Most Actively' Monitoring Guardians All-Star Closer

Newsweek

4 days ago

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Upgrading the bullpen will be a point of emphasis for the Chicago Cubs at this season's trade deadline.
Chicago's bullpen ERA of 3.77 ranked ninth in MLB entering Wednesday, making it an area that could be improve.
With some of the latest reports, the Cubs front office is looking to upgrade the bullpen in a major way.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JULY 18: Emmanuel Clase #48 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates the team's 8-6 win over the Athletics at Progressive Field on July 18, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JULY 18: Emmanuel Clase #48 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates the team's 8-6 win over the Athletics at Progressive Field on July 18, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio.According to BBWAA member Francys Romero, Chicago is one of teams "most actively" monitoring current Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase.
Clase put together one of the best seasons in baseball history last year with Cleveland. He finished the year with a 0.61 ERA across 74 appearances and 74 1/3 innings pitched.
It was the fourth-lowest season ERA in MLB history and was the reason that Clase finished third in Cy Young Award voting and 11th in MVP voting.
Emmanuel Clase's historic 2024 season:
5 ER, 74.1 IP, 0.61 ERA
-Tied for the 3rd lowest ERA (min. 50 IP) since earned runs became an official statistic in both leagues in 1913
-Became Guardians franchise leader in saves
-Recorded 3rd straight 40+ save season
-First RP since 2008… pic.twitter.com/4NxkHj1upg — MLB (@MLB) November 21, 2024
Clase got off to a bit of a shaky start this year and was removed from the closer role after posting a 6.75 ERA across the first month-plus of the season.
He has since regained his role as the closer and has collected 22 saves to go along with a 2.80 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 45 appearances and 45 innings pitched.
Chicago would have to fork up quite a bit from its top 15 farm system to acquire Clase, who is under team control through next season with club options in 2027 and 2028.
Cleveland is in major need of infield prospects, meaning the Cubs could package any two of James Triantos, Christian Hernandez, Ronny Cruz or Pedro Ramirez to send over to the Guardians.
It seems unlikely that Cleveland would trade Clase just one season removed from taking the Yankees to six games in the ALCS, but with some of the more recent trades across sports, anything is possible.
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