Dodgers’ unrealistic trade for All-Star closer that would shake up MLB offseason
The Los Angeles Dodgers have one of the most complete teams in Major League Baseball. Especially after signing two-time Cy Young award winner Blake Snell, the Dodgers have All-Stars and MVPs throughout their lineup and pitching staff.
The only place that the Dodgers could look to improve, however, is their bullpen. At the same time, players like Evan Phillips, Daniel Hudson, who retired after the Dodgers’ World Series win, and Blake Treinen all stepped up throughout the 2024 season, the Dodgers to not have a lock-down closer.
With so much money invested in their current roster, the Dodgers are firmly in win-now territory. They should be doing everything in their power to take advantage of their current championship window.
The Dodgers have shown that they are willing to be aggressive in the trade market, like when they sent starting pitcher Ryan Pepiot and outfielder Jonny DeLuca to the Tampa Bay Rays for Tyler Glasnow and two promising prospects to the Detroit Tigers for half of a season of starting pitcher Jack Flaherty.
Why not go after the best closer in baseball, Emmanuel Clase? If the Cleveland Guardians are willing to listen to offers, the Dodgers should have enough young, Major League-ready talent and prospects to strike a deal for the three-time All-Star. If the Dodgers can strike a deal for Clase, they would undoubtedly be considered one of the best and most talented teams of all time.
Trade proposal: Dodgers send OF Andy Pages, C/OF Dalton Rushing to Guardians for closer Emmanuel Clase
Clase put together one of the most impressive relief seasons in baseball history in 2024. In 74 appearances, Clase recorded an American League-leading 47 saves and had an astounding 0.61 ERA and 0.659 WHIP and finished in third place in the AL Cy Young voting and 11th-place in AL MVP voting. Clase relies on a devastating cutter, which opponents only hit .150 against in 2024, as his primary pitch.
The biggest question here is why the Guardians would even consider moving a player as successful and valuable as Clase. Coming off of a season like he had in 2024 and being under team control until 2029, Clase’s potential trade value will never be higher. It is unlikely that the Guardians would be able to afford to re-sign Clase ahead of the 2029 season if he continues to be the best closer in baseball.
While trading away a player like Clase would be difficult, the Guardians still have a lot of elite bullpen talent that could step up into the closer role. Relievers Cade Smith, Hunter Gaddis, and Tim Herrin all had sub-two ERAs in 2024 and could all potentially take over as the Guardians closer after Clase or do a closer-by-committee situation.
The 25-year-old Smith is especially promising. In his rookie season in 2024, Smith posted a 1.91 ERA in 74 appearances and struck out 103 batters, good for a 12.3 SO/9. Smith finished fifth in the AL Rookie of the Year voting and ninth in the AL Cy Young voting.
Because of the talent surrounding Clase in the Guardians bullpen, he is expendable. The Dodgers match up perfectly with what the Guardians are looking for to improve their team, and if they are willing to part with some of their top prospects and promising young players, a Clase trade should be considered.
Why the Cleveland Guardians would want Andy Pages and Dalton Rushing from the Los Angeles Dodgers
The Guardians, who finished in first place in the AL Central with a 92-69 record and made it to the ALCS in 2024, already have one of the most complete rosters in baseball. However, there are a few positions that could be improved.
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