The Chicago Cubs are going for it this season, and that has to feel both exciting and nerve-wracking as a fan of the team.
Chicago hasn't made the playoffs since 2020, and in the offseason, they attempted to change that by acquiring superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker heading into his free-agent year. They've since been one of the best teams in the National League from wire to wire this season.
Because they don't know if Tucker will be back, the Cubs should be very aggressive about improving their roster at the trade deadline. And that could include the pursuit of a top-tier closer.
One longtime baseball analyst believes that closer will be one of the biggest names in any team's bullpen these days.
During the most recent episode of the "Talkin' Baseball" podcast, Jomboy Media's Chris Rose predicted that the Cubs would acquire Cleveland Guardians three-time All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase.
"Now, their bullpen has actually been pretty good, and (closer) Daniel Palencia has been one of the really good stories this year," Rose said. "The question is, if you're able to outlast the Brewers, the Cardinals, and to some degree, the Reds to win the Central, how good do you feel giving him the ball in the ninth inning of a playoff game?"
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"I want a guy who's not just a rental, who's gonna be there to help us in 2025 and beyond. Which is why Emmanuel Clase is going to end up on the North Side."
Clase, 27, is a three-time All-Star and two-time American League Reliever of the Year. He's not having as dominant a season as he did in 2024, when he pitched to a ridiculous 0.61 ERA, but a 2.91 mark while leading the majors in games finished for a fourth-straight year is nothing to be ashamed of.
Clase's contract runs through 2026, with club options for 2027 and 2028. He'd be in Chicago a long time, but that's all the more reason for the Guardians to demand the moon in potential negotiations.
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