The Cleveland Guardians’ closer Emmanuel Clase has been placed on paid leave amid a Major League Baseball sports-betting investigation, a move that significantly impacts the trade market this week. With Clase sidelined until at least August 31, teams lose a top-tier closer option just days before Thursday’s trade deadline, tightening the pool of available elite relief pitchers and heightening the value of those still eligible for trade.
This development directly influences the Royals’ trade strategy, potentially elevating the market interest in Kansas City’s All-Star closer Carlos Estévez, who has frequently appeared in trade rumors ahead of the deadline.
Carlos Estévez’s Trade Appeal Intensifies Following Clase’s Exit From Marketplace
The Royals have already added offensive reinforcement by acquiring Adam Frazier and Randal Grichuk, and they secured a surprising midseason contract extension with right-handed reliever Seth Lugo—a player widely regarded as a valuable trade deadline asset. These moves suggest Kansas City is positioning itself for a postseason run. Nevertheless, their pitching staff has been hampered by injuries throughout the year, making the retention of Estévez a priority.
Despite this, bullpen roles can quickly shift, and if a team desperate for a reliable closer is willing to offer a premium, the Royals may consider parting with Estévez to build for the future. As general manager J.J. Picollo stated last week, the team remains
in the business in the business of getting better
—J.J. Picollo, General Manager
Such a trade might not enhance their immediate playoff chances but could deliver assets that sustain long-term competitiveness.
Estévez’s Performance Highlights and Market Context
Estévez is having an impressive 2024 campaign, posting a 2.62 ERA alongside a 1.16 WHIP and limiting opposing hitters to a .213 batting average. He shares the American League lead in saves with Houston’s Josh Hader, each recording 27 saves this season. This performance underscores his status as one of the league’s elite closers and a valuable commodity on the trade market.
This is not the first time Estévez’s trade value has risen due to setbacks with other closers. Earlier this season, injury to Baltimore’s Félix Bautista prompted a similar surge in demand for quality relief arms, temporarily boosting Estévez’s profile before Clase’s suspension reignited the trend.
Current Health and Depth of Royals’ Bullpen Provide Flexibility
Although Kansas City’s pitching rotation has struggled with injuries in recent weeks, their bullpen has seen encouraging signs of recovery. Hunter Harvey returned this past weekend, and Daniel Lynch IV is progressing toward a major league return as his rehab assignment moves to Triple-A. Additionally, relievers like Lucas Erceg, Steven Cruz, and others have demonstrated the ability to handle late-inning roles effectively.
This improved bullpen depth means the Royals could remain competitive even if Estévez were traded, despite the closer’s excellent performance. The team’s ability to maintain bullpen stability makes the possibility of trading such a valuable reliever more feasible.
Implications for Royals’ Strategy and the Broader Trade Market
An All-Star closer like Estévez, who has multiple years remaining on his contract and current league-leading save totals, represents a rare and highly sought-after asset at the trade deadline. For a franchise like Kansas City, which aims to stay competitive, the decision to trade Estévez hinges on balancing short-term playoff aspirations with long-term roster building.
The Clase suspension removes a major competitor from the market, increasing the likelihood that Estévez’s value will continue to rise as other teams with late-inning needs look to acquire proven shutdown arms. The Royals may soon face tough choices on whether to capitalize on this opportunity to strengthen their future or hold onto their top closer in hopes of a postseason push.