Phillies Linked to Guardians’ Emmanuel Clase by MLB Insider Jeff Passan originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
At the MLB trade deadline, the Philadelphia Phillies need to make a move. With an aging roster and lackluster performances that end in worse finishes each year, the Phillies need a spark of some kind at the deadline.
For ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan, one such spark could come in the form of Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase. Passan, in an article naming each team’s best fit, listed Clase as the top option for the Phillies.
“The Phillies’ window is closing,” Passan writes, “And getting both club control (Clase is under contract through 2028…) and cost certainty (Clase is due $26 million for the next three years…) would make dealing high-end prospects significantly more palatable.”
Of all the potential trade deadline additions the Phillies could make, adding a reliever is the most imperative move to make. Jordan Romano has been a major letdown, while Jose Alvarado is suspended for the postseason.
A high-profile reliever, one who can close games, would be the ideal acquisition by the end of July. Clase, the Guardians’ Cy Young candidate closer, would be a perfect pickup for the Phillies.
His team control and cost make him a great fit for the team’s plans. He fits in the Phillies’ window, through the 2027 season, and is a worthwhile investment to make based on his prior production.
In 2024, Clase was about as good as a reliever can be. He had a remarkable 0.61 ERA in 74.1 innings pitched with 66 strikeouts and ten walks. Also in 2024, he set his career high in saves with 47 and WHIP at 0.659.
This season, he hasn’t been nearly as good. With a 1.289 WHIP, 3.12 ERA, 19 saves, 40 strikeouts, and ten walks through 40.1 innings pitched, Clase has taken a step back.
But, he’s still significantly better than Romano’s 7.44 ERA. When it comes time for the postseason, the Phillies can’t trot out their current bullpen and look to contend for a World Series.
No matter who it is, the Phillies need to make a move in the bullpen. With a shrinking window, now is the time for Dombrowski to make a move. The Guardians’ three-time All-Star would be an ideal addition to capitalize on the shrinking window.
He’s a strong closer who has years of control and can be a huge part of the team going forward. Of the relievers on the market, no one fits the Phillies better than Clase does.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 10, 2025, where it first appeared.