With teams gearing up for the MLB Trade Deadline this week, a major bombshell sent shockwaves through the sport on Monday.
Emmanuel Clase, the Cleveland Guardians’ All-Star closer, was placed on non-disciplinary paid leave as part of the league’s investigations into potential gambling violations. The league is also investigating his Guardians teammate, fellow pitcher Luis Ortiz. Both are on leave through Aug. 31.
With Cleveland four games out of a wild card spot and nine games behind the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central, Clase was expected to be a popular trade candidate this week. The three-time All-Star has been one of the best closers in baseball over the last several years, racking up 181 saves with a 1.84 ERA since the start of 2021.
With Clase now presumably unavailable, that should heighten the interest in other relievers as contenders pivot to alternatives. That gives teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates a bit more leverage in trade negotiations if they decide to part ways with any of their relievers.
One Pirates pitcher who could be affected is Pirates closer David Bednar. The two-time All-Star has converted all 17 of his save opportunities, going 2-5 with a 2.37 ERA, 1.2 WAR and 51 strikeouts in 38 innings this year. While not as dominant as Clase, he’s having an arguably better season.
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The 30-year-old righty is still under team control through next year, however, so Pittsburgh may be inclined to keep him.
According to a report from Noah Hiles of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Tuesday, Bednar has already received plenty of attention from other teams. General manager Ben Cherington has expressed interest in keeping him, but the Clase situation could change things.
If Cherington gets a better offer for one of his pitchers because of it, it could end up benefiting the Pirates.
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