The Chicago Cubs could take a massive swing on a blockbuster trade.
Cubs Linked to Blockbuster Trade Amid Chase for MLB's Best Record originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Chicago Cubs are one of the best teams in baseball so far this season. At this point in the year, they appear to be a legitimate World Series contender.
With the trade deadline quickly approaching, Jed Hoyer is expected to be active. The team has a legitimate chance to win a championship and adding a piece or two would help them towards that ultimate goal.
Currently, the Cubs are 54-36. That record has them as the fourth-best team in the overall MLB standings. They trail the Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Houston Astros.
Keeping that in mind, who could Chicago look to acquire ahead of the MLB trade deadline? A dominant closer has been suggested recently as a possible fit.
Russell Dorsey of Yahoo Sports has named the Cubs as one of the top potential trade destinations for Cleveland Guardians star closer Emmanuel Clase.
"That said, Clase appears to be putting his struggles behind him," Dorsey wrote. "Over his past 15 outings, he has a 1.88 ERA with seven saves and has looked more like the two-time AL Reliever of the Year. If Clase’s struggles are indeed in the past, this could be the perfect time for a contender to woo the Guardians into trading their longtime closer."
Clase would be a huge addition for a Chicago team that has needed help in the bullpen. Daniel Palencia has done a good job in the closer role, but adding Clase would give the Cubs an elite one-two punch to close out games.
Throughout the course of the 2025 MLB season thus far with the Guardians, Clase has appeared in 40 games. He has compiled a 4-2 record to go along with a 3.20 ERA, a 1.32 WHIP, a 3.9 K/BB ratio, 19 saves, a hold, and four blown saves.
At 27 years old, Clase could be a long-term addition for Chicago. It wouldn't just be a move for this season.
Expect to see Hoyer and the Cubs be very active in the coming days and weeks. Clase may not end up being a target, but he would make a lot of sense for Chicago to pursue.
Related: MLB Insider Believes Cubs Will Have to Overpay for Starting Pitcher
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Baseball
