The winter of Andrew Friedman continues with the Dodgers’ recent signing of Japanese pitching sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Landing Shohei Ohtani and Yamamoto gives L.A. the top two free agents on the market this offseason. This is also in addition...
The winter of Andrew Friedman continues with the Dodgers’ recent signing of Japanese pitching sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Landing Shohei Ohtani and Yamamoto gives L.A. the top two free agents on the market this offseason.
This is also in addition to the team trading for ace Tyler Glasnow to shore up the front part of their starting rotation. It has been a dream offseason for the Dodgers so far, but it seems that they may not be done just yet.
MLB Insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic is reporting that L.A. could look into trading for All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase from the Cleveland Guardians.
“I’ll give you a sleeper for the Dodgers,” Bowden said. “Don’t be surprised if they make a trade for Emmanuel Clase from Cleveland.”
The Dodgers have been linked to free-agent closer Josh Hader this winter, so it would make sense for them to look at Clase. There have been rumors that Cleveland could be looking to move him this offseason, and the Dodgers certainly have the prospect capital to make a deal happen.
It would take multiple high-end prospects to land Clase, but it could be worth it. He has five more years of team control, including two team options, and he would headline the bullpen for this Dodgers team.
Clase also wouldn’t cost them much in terms of salary. He is owed $2.9 million this coming season, $4.9 million in 2025, $6.4 million in 2026, and then two years with team options for $10 million in 2027 and 2028.
“I don’t see them doling out another huge contract,” Bowden said, “they just spent their billion dollars. But don’t think Andrew Friedman is done. And Dave Roberts. They’re not done.”
Last season with the Guardians, Clase posted an ERA of 3.22 in 75 appearances. He had 44 saves for Cleveland and has made the All-Star team in each of the last two seasons.
He is undoubtedly one of the best closers in baseball, and L.A. would love to have him close games for them for the next half decade.
If the Dodgers were to pull off a trade for Clase, it would move Evan Phillips back to being a setup man and fireman. Phillips has always seemed to thrive in that role, which would be even better for the Dodgers’ bullpen.
It remains to be seen if the Dodgers will pull the trigger on any deal for Clase, but it’s an interesting thought. The front office seems to be all-in right now, and this move would further push that narrative.
Photo Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
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