The Chicago Cubs are exploring several avenues to improve the team at the trade deadline and although Jed Hoyer must upgrade the starting rotation he may also look to boost the bullpen. According to the latest trade rumor the Cubs may be big-game hunting as they're reportedly one of the teams most interested in Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase.
According to Francys Romero the Cubs are all over Cleveland's reliever as we approach the trade deadline.
The Cubs explored a trade for Clase prior to the 2024 season, but the Guardians were asking for a huge trade package that eventually led to the talks fading in the offseason. The right-hander was unbelievable last season, posting a ridiculous 0.61 ERA in 74.1 innings. Clase was 47-for-50 in save opportunities.
In 2025, Clase has taken a small step back, but that's almost inconsequential following his historic year. He has a 2.80 ERA in 45 appearances so far this season and continues to be an elite closer, saving 22 of 26 chances. Since April 26, Clase has a 1.30 ERA in 34.2 innings with 36 strikeouts to only seven walks.
Daniel Palencia has been marvelous this year, stepping into the closer role after veteran Ryan Pressly was demoted and Porter Hodge was sidelined with an injury. The 25-year-old blew his first save opportunity of the year on May 19, but since then Palencia has been perfect in 13 consecutive chances. His only other blemish came in an extra-innings loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on June 9.
Sure, adding another reliever may not be the top priority for the Cubs, but going after one of the top high-leverage arms in the game would be a big difference-maker for the team down the stretch. Chicago's bullpen has been great since April, but we're seeing signs that a few guys may not be reliable.
Drew Pomeranz and Chris Flexen were incredible for a couple months, but it would be silly to believe they'll continue to pitch well as the season progresses. Pressly has good numbers since his brutal outing against the San Francisco Giants in May, but the veteran doesn't necessarily ooze confidence when he's on the mound.
If the Cubs can pair Palencia with Clase, then Craig Counsell could really shorten games in the final few innings. Yet, it's difficult to come up with the cost for Clase. He's elite, relatively young turning 27-years-old in March and he's under team control through 2028. Clase will earn $6.4 million in 2026 and then has a $10 million club option for 2027 and 2028.
In related news the Cubs have also been connected to Washington Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan. The Cubs were reportedly interested in signing Finnegan in the offseason, but he returned to Washington on a one-year, $6 million deal. The right-hander has struggled in 2025, posting a 4.62 ERA in 37 innings. Finnegan does have a good ground ball rate of 46.8%, which could be great with the Cubs' infield, but there are certainly some red flags in Finnegan's profile.
The Cubs may have to cough up multiple top-100 prospects for Clase. Would that be worth it for another elite arm in the bullpen?
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