MLB Rumors: Insider Reacts to Guardians–Emmanuel Clase Trade Rumblings
As the 2025 MLB trade deadline approaches, speculation is heating up around one of the Cleveland Guardians’ most valuable assets: All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase. Amid a season filled with inconsistency and injuries, trade rumors involving Clase have begun to surface, suggesting the Guardians could consider moving the flame-throwing right-hander if their postseason hopes continue to fade.
Clase, 26, is widely regarded as one of the most dominant late-inning relievers in baseball. Since taking over the closer role in 2021, he has led the league in saves multiple times and maintained elite numbers, thanks to a deadly cutter consistently reaching the upper 90s. In 2025, though his ERA has slightly risen compared to his career norms, he remains a high-impact bullpen presence with a strong strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Fueling trade speculation is the Guardians’ recent slide in the standings and their need to address multiple areas, particularly on offense and in the outfield. With Clase under contract through 2026 and with team options extending to 2028 at an affordable annual cost some believe he could fetch a significant return in the trade market, particularly from contending teams in need of bullpen help.
However, according to a recent ESPN insider report, the Guardians have no immediate plans to shop Clase, unless an offer “completely overwhelms” the front office. The insider emphasized the value of Clase’s team-friendly deal and his status as a cornerstone of Cleveland’s pitching identity.
“Clase isn’t just any closer,” the insider noted. “He’s a controllable All-Star with postseason experience. That’s not someone you move unless the return is massive.”
This sentiment echoes what many within the organization have voiced in recent months that Clase is part of the long-term core, not just a deadline trade chip.
While trade rumblings around big-name players are common this time of year, the consensus from league insiders is that Clase will stay put in Cleveland unless a bidding war breaks out that the Guardians simply can’t ignore. For now, the team remains focused on climbing the AL Central standings, with Clase still anchoring the back end of the bullpen.
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