The New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies seemed destined for a division race that will come down to the wire. The Mets could target more pitchers to help win the National League East and make a deep run.
The New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies seemed destined for a division race that will come down to the wire. The Mets could target more pitchers to help win the National League East and make a deep run.
The New York Mets do not need a closer, but adding an elite arm to pair with Edwin Díaz could make them very dangerous. ESPN's Jeff Passan listed Emmanuel Clase as a trade chip and the Mets as one of the best fits for him.
"Clase was nearly unhittable last season, but his numbers have regressed this year. He has issued more walks and gotten fewer ground balls while allowing more damage on his cutter that averages 99 mph -- in part due to more center-cut locations. Under contract for less than $30 million through 2028, he would bring a big return to Cleveland."
Clase has a 2.86 ERA and 21 saves. Last season, he had a 0.61 ERA and won his second career Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year Award.
He has been arguably the most dominant reliever in baseball since 2021. Since the start of 2021, he has a 1.78 ERA and 178 saves. He has led baseball in saves twice and has three All-Star selections in that span.
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Having Clase and Díaz at the backend of the bullpen would be a lethal combination. He would not be cheap, but he would also be insurance in case Díaz opts out of his deal.
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Category: Baseball
