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As the 2025 MLB season unfolds, the Cleveland Guardians find themselves in a familiar position, squarely in the playoff hunt and eyeing another American League Central title. With a roster built around star third baseman José Ramírez and a pitching staff that has consistently ranked among the league’s best, the Guardians are poised for another postseason push. Yet, as has often been the case, Cleveland’s path to October is not without obstacles. The outfield remains a glaring weakness, with inconsistent production from several spots and a lack of impact bats to complement the lineup.
While the Guardians are projected to be buyers at the deadline, their ability to make a significant addition hinges on their willingness to part with a valuable asset. In a market where controllable, high-leverage relievers are at a premium, the player Cleveland must consider trading before the 2025 deadline is All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase.
The Case for Trading Emmanuel Clase
Emmanuel Clase has been nothing short of dominant since taking over as Cleveland’s closer. In 2024, he posted a microscopic 0.61 ERA and led the majors with 47 saves, his third consecutive season atop the leaderboard. Clase’s command, heavy cutter, and ability to induce weak contact have made him one of the game’s most reliable late-inning arms. He is under a team-friendly contract, earning just $4.9 million in 2025, $6 million in 2026, and with club options for $10 million in both 2027 and 2028.
Despite his value, there are compelling reasons for Cleveland to move Clase now. The Guardians have a history of trading established stars before they become too expensive or reach free agency, maximizing returns from their deep farm system. With Clase’s contract still extremely affordable and his performance at its peak, his trade value may never be higher. Additionally, the organization has shown an ability to develop bullpen arms, lessening the risk of losing their closer. Most importantly, trading Clase could bring back the impact outfield bat or controllable starter the Guardians desperately need to balance their roster and push for a title.
Cleveland’s outfield production has been among the weakest in the American League. Steven Kwan remains a steady presence in left, but the Guardians have cycled through Nolan Jones, Jhonkensy Noel, and Angel Martínez in right and center, with little offensive success. The lack of a true center fielder and the need for another middle-of-the-order bat are the most pressing issues for a team with championship aspirations.
Given their competitive window and the depth of their farm system, Cleveland is in a position to target a controllable, impact outfielder or a young starting pitcher. Teams on the fringe of contention or in need of bullpen help, such as the Houston Astros, St. Louis Cardinals, or even the New York Mets, could be ideal trade partners. The Astros, for example, are thin in the outfield after trading Kyle Tucker and could be enticed by Clase’s elite closing ability.
The Trade Proposal
Cleveland Guardians receive:
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Jacob Melton (OF, Astros’ No. 1 prospect)
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Luis Baez (OF, Astros’ No. 2 prospect)
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Spencer Arrighetti RHP
Houston Astros receive:
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Emmanuel Clase RHP
This deal gives Cleveland two of Houston’s top outfield prospects and a young, controllable starter. Jacob Melton is a dynamic outfielder with power and speed, projected to debut in 2025 and potentially fill Cleveland’s center field void for years. Luis Baez adds another high-upside bat to the system, while Arrighetti provides immediate rotation depth. For Houston, acquiring Clase would solidify the back end of their bullpen as they look to remain contenders in the post-Tucker era.
Trading Clase would be a bold move, but one that aligns with Cleveland’s organizational philosophy and current needs. The Guardians’ bullpen depth, including arms like Cade Smith and Paul Sewald, would help absorb the loss, while the infusion of young outfield talent could address the team’s most significant weakness for the stretch run and beyond.
Moreover, Cleveland’s farm system remains one of the deepest in the league, with top prospects like Travis Bazzana, Chase DeLauter, and Angel Genao on the cusp of making an impact. Adding Melton and Baez would further solidify their pipeline and give the front office flexibility to make additional moves as needed.
The Guardians are at a crossroads. Standing pat risks another October disappointment, while a calculated, aggressive move could propel them to their first World Series title since 1948. Trading Emmanuel Clase, while painful, represents the best opportunity to address their outfield deficiencies and maximize a window of contention that won’t stay open forever. With the right deal, Cleveland can strengthen both its present and future, ensuring the club remains a force in the American League for years to come.
