The Cleveland Guardians are open to discussing trades involving their relievers, including the star pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Cade Smith, as the MLB trade deadline approaches. According to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, although the team is willing to listen, the high asking price makes a trade involving either player improbable.
Small-market teams like Cleveland frequently balance the need to compete now while maintaining future flexibility, making it sensible for the Guardians to entertain offers on their top bullpen arms. Relievers with multiple controllable years and strong track records often attract premium value at the deadline, especially for late-inning pitchers with affordable contracts. The Guardians are no exception in this market dynamics.
Financial Details and Value of Emmanuel Clase
Clase currently earns $4.5 million in the 2024 season, with a salary of $6 million slated for 2025. His contract includes club options for the 2027 and 2028 seasons, each with a base salary of $10 million. However, these options have escalated to $11.5 million per year following Clase’s two American League Reliever of the Year awards and his accumulation of over 200 appearances in recent seasons. Additionally, Clase would receive a $1 million assignment bonus if traded.
Despite these numbers, Clase’s salary remains well below market value for a reliever of his caliber. For comparison, Tanner Scott, last winter’s top free agent reliever, secured a contract worth more than $60 million over four years. Clase is at a prime age and controllable through his late twenties, suggesting that if he were a free agent, his contract might approach nine figures.
Performance and Playing Style of Emmanuel Clase
Emmanuel Clase emerged as MLB’s top reliever in 2024, allowing just five earned runs over 74 1/3 innings with a 47-for-50 save success rate. Although he struggled in the postseason during eight innings, his regular-season performance remained strong. Through this season, Clase has maintained a 2.86 ERA over 44 innings, converting 21 of 25 save chances. His 23.4% strikeout rate is around league average, a reflection of his pitching style, which relies less on strikeouts and more on exceptional command and movement.
Clase’s 99 MPH cutter is notably difficult for hitters to square up, giving him an edge despite not being a dominant strikeout pitcher. His ability to consistently miss barrels stands out as one of his key strengths.
Cade Smith’s Development and Contract Control
At 26, Cade Smith has quickly risen to become Cleveland’s primary setup man after an impressive rookie season in which he posted a 1.91 ERA with a strikeout rate near 36% across 75 1/3 innings. This year, Smith’s ERA has risen to a still-respectable 3.07 over 41 innings, accompanied by a 35% strikeout rate and a 15.1% swinging strike rate. Standing 6’5”, Smith features a 96 MPH fastball and a plus splitter that contribute to his effectiveness.
Smith remains under team control for four and a half more years and is not eligible for arbitration for another season and a half, which offers the Guardians significant cost certainty during his prime years.
Trade Scenarios and Possibilities for the Guardians’ Bullpen
The likelihood that Cleveland trades both Clase and Smith is minimal. If Clase were to be moved, it would probably reflect confidence in Smith’s potential to become an elite closer. Trading Smith is even less likely given his affordable contract and extended team control.
Beyond Clase and Smith, the Guardians might receive inquiries about other relievers such as Hunter Gaddis and Erik Sabrowski, though these players carry less profile. Veteran right-hander Paul Sewald, an impending free agent, could also attract interest; however, his recent shoulder strain and subsequent injured list placement reduce the probability of a trade before the deadline.
Standings and Strategic Outlook for the Guardians
Despite their openness, Cleveland is not necessarily committed to selling at the deadline. The team currently sits 4.5 games behind the last American League Wild Card spot, keeping them within striking distance of a postseason berth. Their upcoming schedule is favorable, featuring multiple series against teams with losing records such as the Athletics, Orioles, Royals, and Rockies.
The Guardians hope that their strong bullpen, anchored by Clase and Smith, can help propel them back into the playoff picture and possibly into the American League Championship Series. This balance between competing in the present and weighing trade options characterizes Cleveland’s approach as the trade deadline draws near.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Cade Smith’s religion?
A. Smith is married to an American woman named Elizabeth. He follows Christianity. During his childhood, he was a fan of the Toronto Blue Jays.