The Chicago Cubs are still looking to bolster their bullpen with a high-leverage arm, and MLB insider Bruce Levine reports that the team is still considering a trade for all-star closer Emmanuel Clase.
The Cleveland Guardians reliever and first baseman Josh Naylor were linked to the Cubs earlier in the winter, so this isn’t the first time Clase’s name has been associated with them. The Cubs have added Los Angeles Dodgers prospect Michael Busch to fill their first base need, but there are still concerns about the bullpen’s back end.
Adbert Alzolay, who took over as the ninth-inning guy midway during the season, accomplished a commendable job as the Cubs closer in 2023. Alzolay recorded a 2.67 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP in 64 innings while saving 22 of 25 of his save opportunities. One may argue that the Cubs would have advanced to the postseason if Alzolay’s September forearm strain hadn’t prevented him from playing.
However, the Cubs are searching for good value, and given that Clase, 25, has a $4 million annual deal that runs through the 2026 season, he would undoubtedly match that description. In addition, his contract includes $10 million in club options for 2027 and 2028.
Midway through the season, Adbert Alzolay assumed the role of ninth-inning closer for the Cubs, and he did an excellent job in that role in 2023. In 64 innings, Alzolay had a 2.67 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP while making 22 of 25 save attempts. It may be argued that if Alzolay’s September forearm strain hadn’t kept him out of the game, the Cubs would have made it to the postseason.
But the Cubs are looking for value, and Clase, who is 25 years old and has a contract worth $4 million per year that extends through the 2026 season, would definitely fit that bill. Furthermore, he has club options for $10 million in 2027 and 2028 as part of his contract.
Adbert Alzolay was the Cubs’ ninth-inning closer halfway through the season, and he performed admirably in that capacity in 2023. Alzolay recorded a 2.67 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP in 64 innings while recording 22 of 25 save tries. It may be claimed that the Cubs would have advanced to the postseason if Alzolay’s forearm strain from September hadn’t prevented him from playing.
However, the Cubs are searching for value, and Clase, who is 25 years old and has a $4 million annual contract that runs through the 2026 season, would most likely meet that need. In addition, as part of his deal, he has club options for $10 million in 2027 and 2028.
Halfway through the season, Adbert Alzolay was the Cubs’ ninth-inning closer, and he did a fantastic job in that role in 2023. Alzolay completed 22 of 25 save attempts and finished 64 innings with a 2.67 ERA and 1.02 WHIP. One could argue that if Alzolay hadn’t been sidelined by a forearm issue in September, the Cubs would have made it further in the postseason.
But the Cubs are looking for value, and Clase, a 25-year-old with an annual contract for $4 million that expires in 2026, would probably fit that bill. He also has club options for $10 million in 2027 and 2028 as part of his contract.
