The Los Angeles Dodgers are linked in potential trade for Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase and outfielder Steven Kwan.
Dodgers Discussing Blockbuster Deal for Guardians All-Star Closer and Outfielder originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are no stranger to making a blockbuster move and are eyeing another one, according to Travis Rodgers of ESPN LA.
During Friday’s edition of the Travis and D Marco show, Rodgers revealed there have been whispers about a potential trade involving Cleveland Guardians’ closer Emmanuel Clase and all-star outfielder Steven Kwan joining the Dodgers.
After a rough start to the season, Clase has returned to form with a 2.91 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 43.1 innings. His velocity remains near the top of the league, and his whiff rate ranks in the 92nd percentile, according to Baseball Savant. Clase also gives manager Dave Roberts another ninth-inning option in case closer Tanner Scott continues to blow saves.
Kwan’s availability is shocking with team control through 2027 and arbitration years still ahead. Yet, the left-hander would be a tremendous addition for Los Angeles in the wake of Michael Conforto’s struggles. Kwan may not provide a power stroke, but his ability to make consistent contact and get on base is what the Dodgers have been missing amid Conforto’s inconsistencies.
Although Rodgers did not reveal his source, he is confident this deal is being discussed, going as far as to list the package it would take to acquire both players from Cleveland.
“Kwan immediately slides into left field. Your Michael Conforto problem is solved,” Rodgers said. “Steven Kwan is way better than Michael Conforto. And you slide Emmanuel Clase into that ninth inning, who’s having a good year. Not quite a prime Clase year, but a very, very good year. Here’s what it may cost you going the other way: Justin Wrobleski, Ben Casparius, Josue De Paula, and one more prospect. Four guys.”
Whispers about Clase AND Kwan to the Dodgers?
— ESPN Los Angeles (@ESPNLosAngeles) July 16, 2025
Trav thinks the package could be too much. John thinks it’s not enough. pic.twitter.com/P9fz5Sbocf
Rodgers received immediate pushback, but the focus quickly turned to whether the Dodgers could sweeten the deal for Cleveland by including Dustin May, top prospect Dalton Rushing, who’s struggled to find everyday at-bats, and even Hyeseong Kim.
Clase and Kwan are both under the age of 30 and have multiple years of control left. With Cleveland having no reason to trade either player, it will take a haul close to, if not greater than, what Rodgers reports is being discussed. But with the Dodgers always aggressive near the trade deadline, counting out Andrew Friedman’s willingness to strike such a deal should never be discounted.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Baseball
