Could the Chicago Cubs land one of baseball’s best closers?
Photo Credit: Jeff Hanisch, USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Cubs have shown interest in trading for Cleveland Guardians All-Star closing pitcher, Emmanuel Clase.
For a team that exceeded expectations during the regular season, the Chicago Cubs have been relatively quiet in preparation for 2024. Other than the unexpected acquirement of former Brewers Manager, Craig Counsell, and addition of Japanese southpaw Shōta Imanaga, the Cubs really have not utilized the large bankroll they have at their disposal. They instead are looking to use their top five farm system, according to MLB Pipeline, to make a splash in the trade market.
One name that may be a potential trade target for the Chicago Cubs is Cleveland Guardians closing pitcher, Emmanuel Clase. Clase has been more than reliable for the Guardians for the past few seasons, averaging 43.5 saves in 2022 and 2023. However with some minor signs of regression and the exit of future hall of fame manager, Terry Francona, the Guardians are willing to move on at the right price.
Photo Credit: Joe Noga, cleveland.com
What is the right price? Well, Bruce Levine of 670 The Score Chicago reports that the current asking price for Clase is a bit too high for the Cubs. According to Levine, in exchange for Clase, the Cleveland Guardians are asking for Cade Horton, the Cubs top pitching prospect and a top-30 prospect across all of Major League Baseball. Aldo Soto of Sports Mockery wrote this was an “absurd asking price,” as it would make no sense for the Cubs to trade a potential cornerstone starting pitcher for a reliever, no matter who it is. Levine says the talks will get no where if Cleveland holds to that asking price.
Photo Credit: Mattie Neretin, USA Today Network
That being said, Emmanuel Clase really would make for a great fit in the north side of Chicago as they look to bolster their bullpen moving into the 2024 season. Jed Hoyer, President of Baseball Operations for the Cubs is quoted as saying, “The elite, elite closer, the leverage they pitch in can make a difference. The pen is a higher volatility and aggression area. So you want to put your dollars to use in areas you are most certain about.”
Hoyer obviously knows the importance of having a trustworthy closer as that was a big question mark for the Cubs during a significant portion of the 2023 season. Adbert Alzolay became the guy, earning 22 saves during the season, but struggled in some big moments. Clase has proven that he thrives in those big moments and he could certainly help the Cubs edge out teams they might normally lose to. This is a big draw, but Cubs fans know Jed Hoyer will not be giving up his 2022 No. 7 overall draft pick, Cade Horton, for a relief pitcher.
Reports of the Cubs interest in Clase have not faltered even with the news of the high asking price. The Cubs front office is unquestionably trying to persuade the Guardians to take a larger package of slightly less influential players. The Cubs farm system certainly has enough names to go around.
Will Clase end up with the Cubs or will the middling Guardians keep their All-star closer to try to fight for a playoff spot in their weak American League (AL) Central division? Only time will tell, but Cubs fans are certainly hoping a deal is struck!
