Guardians' Emmanuel Clase Linked To National League Contender

Jim Bowden of The Athletic identifies Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase as a trade candidate for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been the most active team during MLB's free agency period this season. They've already signed Shohei Ohtani to a historic deal and have now added Yoshinobu Yamamoto, too.

However, this juggernaut isn't done just yet. They're still looking to upgrade their weak spots before the 2024 regular season begins. One area they could upgrade is their bullpen.

The latest name in rumors surrounding the Dodgers is Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase. On Friday, Jim Bowden of The Athletic said, "Don't be surprised if [the Dodgers] make a trade for Emmanuel Clase from Cleveland."

"The Dodgers are pedal to the metal. It's not going to stop."

After reportedly signing Yoshinobu Yamamoto to a 12-year, $325 million contract, our own @JimBowdenGM reports that the #Dodgers aren't done trying to add 👀@Dodgers | #HotStove pic.twitter.com/oeIZQD4xs8

— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) December 22, 2023

This isn't the first time that Clase has come up in trade rumors this offseason. During this month's winter meetings, ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that the Guardians, "are open to dealing Clase, their All-Star closer who has led the AL in saves for two consecutive years."

Trading Clase certainly comes with some pros and cons. For one, he's a proven closer who is on a team-friendly deal for the foreseeable future. 

Los Angeles would be a logical trade partner if the Guardians were looking to deal Clase. Cleveland needs more help in their lineup, specifically in the outfield, and a player such as James Outman would be a tremendous fit.

Sep 6, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase (48) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports / © Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The Dodgers are clearly all-in on winning the World Series within the next couple of years. They've spent over a billion dollars on free agents this offseason. And as Bowden said, they are still looking to get better. It makes a ton of sense that they would be interested in a cost-controlled pitcher like Clase.

The only question now is whether the Guardians are interested in trading him.