The Yankees added what the team thought would be a superstar through trade last season in Devin Williams. He was a two-time All-Star with the Milwaukee Brewers, but had the worst year of his career with the Yankees. He was far from the All-Star closer the Yankees expected.
The Yankees acquired David Bednar at the trade deadline, but could look to go after another dominant closer to create an elite duo at the back of their bullpen. FanSided’s Christopher Kline proposed this trade package that would bring Emmanuel Clase from the Cleveland Guardians to New York:
- Yankees receive: RHP Emmanuel Clase
- Guardians receive: RHP Bryce Cunningham (Yankees’ No. 5), 1B T.J. Rumfield (Yankees’ No. 25) and OF Brendan Jones (Yankees’ No. 15)
Clase was named an All-Star three straight seasons before this year. He led all of baseball in saves in 2022 and 2023. He led the American League in saves last year. However, he was suspended this year and is a part of a gambling investigation. . He has been on non-discipline paid leave since July, and there’s no indication he’ll be reinstated anytime soon. There is controversy surrounding him, but when he is playing, there is no denying that he is a superstar.
He has a 1.88 career ERA and is under control through 2026. He could take over as the Yankees’ closer, making Bednar the setup man.
However, some fans may have reservations about cheering for a player under investigation for gambling. The Yankees may also be hesitant to give up multiple top prospects if Clase’s future is uncertain, so any trade would likely mean he is cleared.
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