Phillies Labeled Best Fit for Guardians' Three-Time All-Star Closer

Phillies Labeled Best Fit for Guardians' Three-Time All-Star Closer originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Philadelphia Phillies' need for a dominant closer cannot be understated. Although Jose Alvarado is expected to return later in the second half of the season, his suspension makes him ineligible for the playoffs.

Acting closer Jordan Romano has endured a rollercoaster season that has resulted in a 7.08 ERA. The former All-Star’s struggles resulted in a short removal from the role, but he has since been reinserted. His replacements, Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahm, have had successful seasons but are suited for late-inning relief roles rather than locking down the ninth inning.

Locked in a tight NL East race with the New York Mets and inching closer to the sun setting on their World Series window, the pressure is building for Philadelphia to make a splash at the trade deadline.

Bleacher Report’s Joel Rueter recently wrote about the best fits for the top trade chips at this year’s deadline, calling the Phillies the top landing spot for Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase.

“The bullpen has been a consistent issue for the Phillies the past several seasons, and swinging a deal for a controllable, proven ninth-inning option who can anchor the relief corps for the next several years should be their top deadline priority.”

Despite a rough start to the season, Rueter highlights Clase’s return to form since June. In 29 appearances, the three-time All-Star has converted 15 of 17 save opportunities with a 1.20 ERA and 0.90 WHIP. Signed through 2026 with a $10 million club option for 2027 and 2028, the money-conscious Guardians could be looking to offload Clase’s escalating price tag. If Philadelphia is willing to part ways with a couple of highly-touted prospects, the Guardians are open to dealing the closer, albeit at a high price, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is never shy of taking risks, if it means getting closer to hoisting a World Series trophy. However, making a deal for Clase might be one of the safest bets at the trade deadline, knowing he would slot in as Philadelphia’s closer for presumably the next four seasons and eliminate the anxiety that currently resides at the backend of their bullpen.  

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared.