Guardians’ Emmanuel Clase Not On MLB Network’s Top 10 Relievers List

Despite leading MLB in saves and being named to both the American League All-Star and All-MLB Second Teams last year, the Cleveland closer was not named one of MLB's 10 best relief pitchers ahead of the 2024 season.

For the past two seasons, Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase has been one of the premier relief pitchers in baseball.

During this span, he leads all MLB relief pitchers in appearances (152) and saves (86), while ranking second in innings pitched (145.1). He also ranks among relief pitchers (minimum 110 innings pitched) in strikeout-to-walk ratio (5.42, second), fewest walks (26, tied for third), WHIP (0.94, fourth), and ERA (2.29, 10th).

This past Thursday, MLB Network revealed their “Top 10 Players Right Now” for relief pitchers. Clase, however, was not on the list.

Here are MLB Network’s top-10 Major League relievers heading into the 2024 season.

1. Devin Williams, Milwaukee Brewers

2. Ryan Helsley, St. Louis Cardinals

3. Pete Fairbanks, Tampa Bay Rays

4. Evan Phillips, Los Angeles Dodgers

5. Jhoan Duran, Minnesota Twins

6. Edwin Díaz, New York Mets

7. Bryan Abreu, Houston Astros

8. David Bednar, Pittsburgh Pirates

9. Chris Martin, Boston Red Sox

10. José Alvarado, Philadelphia Phillies

After leading MLB with 42 saves in 2022, the 25-year-old Clase led the league again with 44 saves last year. With this pair of strong campaigns, he became the first pitcher in Cleveland franchise history to record multiple 40-save seasons.

Aug 6, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase (48) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field / © Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Clase has not only been an American League All-Star each of the last two years, but also garnered All-MLB First Team honors in 2022 and Second Team honors this past December.

Based on his last two seasons, the right-hander appears to once again be the anchor of the Guardians’ bullpen this year. 

And, Cleveland fans are hopeful that he will turn in another productive season worthy of third consecutive All-Star and All-MLB nods.