REPORT: Phillies Inquired With Guardians About Emmanuel Clase Trade
Spring training is just around the corner but the hot stove is still sizzling as the Cleveland Guardians find themselves at the center of rumors and reports about one of their star pitchers.
Emmanuel Clase, who's popped up in several rumors this offseason, is now being linked to the Philadelphia Phillies.
SportsRadio 94WIP's Howard Eskin spoke about the situation early on Thursday and revealed that the Phillies "have spoken to Cleveland concerning Emmanuel Clase. Here's the issue, one of the players that Cleveland wants is [Justin] Crawford. [Philadelphia is] not giving up Justin Crawford."
It would make sense that the Guardians would want a prospect of Carwford's caliber. He's a 20-year-old center fielder who possesses both the offensive and defensive ability to make him a star. Cleveland desperately needs more production from that position group. It also makes sense that the Phillies would want more pitching depth when looking at their current staff.
It's important to note that this report comes off the heels of another report indicating that the Guardians won't be trading Clase anytime soon. Jom Morosi of MLB Network indicated that while Cleveland was receiving calls from multiple teams about Clase, they weren't motivated to trade him right now.
Oct 7, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase (48) throws a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays in the ninth inning during game one of the Wild Card series for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Pitchers and catchers report next week, so time is certainly running out for a trade if one is going to happen. Obviously, Clase is a member of the Guardians until he isn't. And as of right now, he's the closer of a pitching staff that could be one of the best in baseball in 2024.
