The Cleveland Guardians are once again facing one of the biggest decisions at the MLB trade deadline. They’re 39-38, steadily aiming for a Wild Card appearance, barring a miraculous streak that would allow them to catch the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central.
The offense hasn’t come around. They’re scoring less than four runs a game. The rotation behind Gavin Williams, Luis Ortiz and Tanner Bibee is shaky. And while they’re not out of it, they also don’t look like a team built to make a deep playoff run.
That puts Emmanuel Clase right in the middle of the trade conversation.
Clase, 27, is still under contract through 2028, and making less than most setup men across the league. He has postseason experience, electric stuff, and a consistent track record that front offices trust. If the Guardians make him available, he immediately becomes the top bullpen arm on the market.
Contenders are always looking for bullpen help, and Clase would fit into any team’s roster immediately. He could close for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, Arizona Diamondbacks, Texas Rangers — really anyone. And unlike a lot of rental relievers, Clase gives teams a long-term solution without tying up a big chunk of payroll.
That’s why the Guardians would have the leverage in any trade. They’re not dealing from weakness. They’re not rushing into a decision. But they know what kind of return Clase could bring.
Guardians’ Trade Return Would Be Beneficial For Wild Card Push
This wouldn’t be a sign that the Guardians are tearing things down. They’ve made moves like this before. They’ve traded stars in their prime and stayed competitive by reloading.
If they move Clase, they’ll still have a solid bullpen. Cade Smith has looked like a legitimate late-inning arm. They have other internal options who could step into bigger roles. Clase makes them better, no question, but losing him wouldn’t collapse their season. It would just reset part of the roster and give them flexibility moving forward.
If Cleveland believes they’re not built to go deep in October this year, then they have to think about what comes next. Trading Clase now could bring back players who help in 2026 and 2027, when this team could be in a better position to contend. That’s how smaller-market teams stay relevant. They trade high, buy low, and avoid long-term rebuilds.
Clase’s Value Has A Shelf Life
There’s risk in holding on too long. Relievers can be volatile. One bad month or an injury and Clase’s trade value could take a hit. Right now, everything is lined up in Cleveland’s favor.
“Clase was nearly unhittable last season, but his numbers have regressed this season,” ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan wrote Tuesday. “He has issued more walks and gotten fewer ground balls while allowing more damage on his cutter that averages 99.0 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.”
Nothing has been decided yet. The Guardians are still close enough to stay in the mix. But if they slip below .500 and the Wild Card gap grows, the smart move might be to cash in. Clase is a luxury, and he might be the key to filling some of the holes this roster can’t fix internally.
If Cleveland puts him on the block, the offers will come fast. Closers like him don’t become available often, especially ones with his contract and track record. He wouldn’t just be another deadline name. He’d be one of the most impactful moves a contender could make.
And the Guardians know it.
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