At the MLB trade deadline, the Cleveland Guardians are expected to be sellers. After their terrible stretch, losing 22 of 28 games, including their last nine, Cleveland is likely to be a seller by the trade deadline.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, if the Guardians do sell, closer Emmanuel Clase could be on his way out the door.
"The Cleveland Guardians are expected to unload first baseman Carlos Santana by the end of the month," Nightengale writes, "While also potentially moving outfielder Lane Thomas and perhaps closer Emmanuel Clase."
Nightengale believes they could land a haul for the All-Star closer. "Clase should bring in a haul of prospects if the Guardians move him," Nightengale wrote. "He is under team control through 2028, owed $6.4 million in 2026 with $10 million club options in 2027 and 2028."
The Guardians have a plethora of needs all across the roster, and with some prospects making their way up to the big leagues in the future, landing more prospects could be massive for the team's future.
MORE: Guardians urged to trade fan favorite slugger after terrible start to season
Clase, with his control and dominance in 2024, would likely land a huge return. That return could bolster the team in 2026 and beyond, especially since Cade Smith is capable of taking over as the team's new closer.
In 2024, Clase had a 0.61 ERA and an AL-leading 47 saves. He struck out 66 batters and walked 10 in 74 appearances. He was in third place in AL Cy Young voting, and was an All-Star game for the third year in a row.
This year hasn't been as great for Clase as 2024 was, but he's still been solid. He has a 3.13 ERA in 38 appearances, with 18 saves and 38 strikeouts to 10 walks. Even though he hasn't been at his best, the 27-year-old would still fetch a huge return on the market.
Cleveland might decide to hold onto Clase even if they sell other pieces, as he's been integral to the team in recent years. But if they do decide to ship him off, they could likely get a massive return.
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