The Cleveland Guardians are predicted to cut ties with Emmanuel Clase, but not when most expect.
The Cleveland Guardians are trending towards being sellers at the MLB trade deadline, barring a turnaround to close out July. For teams around baseball, if Cleveland sells, there will be one player almost every top team will try to land: Emmanuel Clase.
And in a prediction from Zack Meisel of The Athletic, the Guardians do move Clase. But, there's a major caveat to Miesel's prediction: Clase isn't moved until the offseason.
"There's a horde of contenders desperately trying to convince Cleveland to move him - and odds are, they will - just not quite yet."
Meisel's prediction states that "Emmanuel Clase gets traded... this winter." It's a clear indication that, while he expects Clase to be traded, it won't be at the trade deadline in 2025.
"Cleveland needs some bats." Meisel writes, "The Guardians could have more suitors in the offseason, when more teams have designs to contend and could talk themselves into forking over a haul for a long-term solution at closer."
MORE: Guardians trade negotiations 'frustrating' MLB teams ahead of deadline
While there are plenty of teams interested in Clase at the deadline this year, in the offseason, the Guardians will get even more interest in the All-Star closer, as more teams view themselves as contenders.
Clase has been great this season, with a 2.91 ERA and 42 strikeouts through 43.1 innings pitched. He also has 20 saves on the season, which, combined with his one home run allowed, makes him the most appealing closer on the market.
While it's not the same as his 0.61 ERA, 47-save 2024 season, which earned him third place in AL Cy Young voting, he's still been one of the better relievers this season.
Teams would love to add him to their bullpen, and Meisel predicts that they'll get such a chance. But, it'll be in the offseason, when the Guardians can entertain better, more numerous offers from teams around the league.
MORE MLB NEWS:
- Padres' A.J. Preller predicted to 'aim high' at MLB trade deadline
- Padres linked to MLB insiders' 'least valuable player' at trade deadline
- Tigers 'likely' to add a high-leverage reliever at trade deadline
- Trio of Cardinals relievers most likely to be moved at MLB trade deadline
- Astros writer reveals 'ideal outcome' at MLB trade deadline
- Tigers 'strongly interested' in pair of Twins righty relievers
Category: Baseball
