Yankees Linked To Two-Time All-Star In Possible Surprise Trade This Offseason

Should the Yankees actually attempt to make the surprise trade for the star closer?

The New York Yankees had the best bullpen in baseball last season but need to make a few additions this offseason if it wants to continue that success into the 2024 season.

New York could end up losing at least one or two impact arms this offseason. Former Yankees fireballer Wandy Peralta is a free agent and at this point, it's unclear if he will be back with the club. New York has been linked to multiple intriguing relievers, but there hasn't been much movement in the market yet.

One player who has been floated as a surprise trade candidate is Cleveland Guardians All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase, according to The Athletic's Jim Bowden.

"However, there's uncertainty with all relievers, and the Guardians have decided to at least listen to trade offers for Clase, who is only 25 years old," Bowden said. "They're especially interested to see if they could get an impact corner outfielder in return and are reminding teams that Clase will make significantly less than Josh Hader, 29, is asking for on the open market. 

"Teams such as the (Texas Rangers) (Clase's former club), (Los Angeles Dodgers), and Yankees would fit with the Guardians on a trade because all three have the outfielders that Cleveland covets."

Bowden compiled a list of the top trade candidates for the rest of the offseason and Clase made his list and the Yankees were mentioned as one of the few candidates to scoop him up. 

Clase would be a tremendous addition to the Yankees' bullpen. The 25-year-old has been named an All-Star each of the last two seasons and has led the American League in saves in both seasons with 42 in 2022 and 44 in 2023. Clase has a career 2.00 ERA in four seasons and wouldn't cost much salary-wise. 

The Yankees likely would have to part with at least one solid prospect in return, but a move sounds like it would make sense.