The Chicago Cubs are leaving no stones unturned leading up to the July 31 trade deadline. This includes the possibility of improving their already strong bullpen by adding one of baseball’s most dominant closers in Emmanuel Clase.
Cleveland is listening to offers for Emmanuel Clase
MLB: Cleveland Guardians at Houston Astros MLB: Cleveland Guardians at Houston Astros
A year after winning the American League Central, the Cleveland Guardians find themselves hovering around .500 as the trade deadline approaches and a few games out from a Wild Card spot. Despite this, Jon Heyman has reported that they are listening to offers for elite closer Emmanuel Clase.
The asking price for Clase is steep—and understandably so. He’s under team control for three more years on a highly affordable deal, set to earn $6.4 million in 2026, with two additional club options at $10 million for 2027 and 2028. That level of cost certainty for a dominant closer significantly boosts his trade value.
The Chicago Cubs are interested in Emmanuel Clase
MLB: Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Guardians MLB: Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Guardians
Reporter Francys Romero recently revealed that the Cubs are among the teams most actively monitoring Emmanuel Clase. With his elite stuff and team-friendly contract, Clase would be a valuable asset both in the short term and for the long haul. While the price to acquire him would undoubtedly be steep, the upside is clear. Chicago hasn’t had long-term stability at the closer position in years, and landing Clase would not only address that lingering issue but also provide a dominant bullpen weapon for a potential postseason run.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Cubs find themselves in a position to make a bold move, and targeting Emmanuel Clase could be just that. While the cost would be significant, the long-term stability and immediate impact he offers could make it a worthwhile investment.
