Cleveland Guardians Contemplating Emmanuel Clase Trade: Los Angeles Dodgers Emerges as Potential Suitor

While the focus of the offseason has primarily been on available starting pitchers, the Cleveland Guardians could shift the narrative by exploring a trade involving Emmanuel Clase.

Despite having control over Clase for multiple seasons, the Guardians face minimal pressure to make a move. In April 2022, they secured Clase’s services with a lucrative five-year, $20 million contract extension, which could potentially reach $38 million over seven years if team options are exercised for 2027 and 2028.

However, reports emerged during the Winter Meetings in Nashville, suggesting that the Guardians were open to entertaining offers for Clase. The Los Angeles Dodgers, in particular, were identified by The Athletic’s Jim Bowden as a team to watch for a potential trade.

Bowden stated, “Don’t be surprised if they make a trade for Emmanuel Clase of Cleveland. They are in this thing to win at the highest level.”

At 25 years old, Clase is coming off an impressive season where he recorded a career-best 44 saves, accompanied by a 3.22 ERA, 2.91 FIP, and 1.16 WHIP across 75 games. He secured 42 saves in 2022 and has been an All-Star selection for the past two seasons, establishing himself as a dominant closer in the American League.

As part of Clase’s contract extension, he received a $2 million signing bonus and is eligible for a $1 million bonus if traded. His salary for 2024 is set at $2.5 million, with potential increases to $4.5 million and $6 million in 2025 and 2026, respectively.

The team option for Clase’s contract in 2027 carries a base salary of $10 million, accompanied by a $2 million buyout. Similarly, the team option for 2028 is valued at $10 million, with a $1 million buyout.

Clase’s salaries for 2027 and 2028 could rise with performance bonuses and accolades such as finishing in the top three or winning a Reliever of the Year Award until 2026.

Although the Dodgers’ bullpen seems well-equipped, they have reportedly expressed interest in Josh Hader. A potential trade for Clase would provide them with an All-Star closer under team-friendly terms while allowing Evan Phillips to resume his role as a fireman in the bullpen.

To acquire Clase, the Dodgers would likely need to part ways with some of their young pitchers and potentially position players. The Guardians, in need of an infusion of talent for their lineup, could find interest in prospects such as Dalton Rushing, Michael Busch, Emmet Sheehan, Miguel Vargas, and James Outman.

As talks continue, the potential trade between the Guardians and Dodgers presents an intriguing storyline to follow in the MLB offseason.