The Chicago Cubs have been linked to various top-tier free agents this offseason, yet they’ve held off on making any major moves.
However, a potentially game-changing proposition from Zachary Rotman of FanSided is on the table.
Rotman suggests a trade scenario that would see promising young slugger Christopher Morel and pitching prospect Ben Brown head to the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for Emmanuel Clase, who led in saves in both 2023 and 2022.
“The Cubs could center this deal around Christopher Morel, a player Cleveland could use more than Chicago. The Cubs would get their closer for the next five years at a very cheap cost, while the Guardians add a contributor for the middle of their lineup and their rotation for now, and the future.”
Despite securing deals with reliever Héctor Neris and starter Shota Imanaga earlier in the offseason, Rotman believes this hypothetical trade could significantly bolster the Cubs’ chances against the National League’s top teams.
Emmanuel Clase boasts an impressive track record with a career 2.00 ERA, 111 saves, and 236 strikeouts over four seasons in the majors. At just 25 years old, Clase’s relatively team-friendly contract, signed for five years at $20 million in 2022, makes him an enticing target for numerous teams.
Securing Clase’s services from the Guardians would undoubtedly require a substantial offer. Yet, Rotman suggests that Morel could be the right bargaining chip for the Cubs to make such a move, one they might be willing to make.
As the offseason progresses, it remains to be seen what direction the Cubs will take. With Cody Bellinger still available in free agency and fans clamoring for his return, the Cubs have yet to address all their needs and could potentially become more aggressive as the offseason progresses.
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