Both the New York Yankees and New York Mets are on the hunt to improve their bullpens before the July 31st MLB trade deadline. A new report has offered a major update on a pair of big-time relief pitchers that are officially up for grabs.
“Guardians are listening on relievers, including stars Cade Smith and Emmanuel Clasé,” New York Post MLB insider Jon Heyman reported on Saturday. “Prices are understandably high. They are seen as not too likely to trade either top pen guy, and with MLB’s easiest closing schedule, they aren’t even a certain seller.”
Guardians are listening on relievers, including stars Smith and Clasé. Prices are understandably high. They are seen as not too likely to trade either top pen guy, and with MLB’s easiest closing schedule, they aren’t even a certain seller
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There have been a lot of MLB rumors suggesting star closer Clase could be available before this month’s trade deadline. However, heading into the MLB games today, the Guardians are just 4.5 games out of the final Wild Card spot.
While they have struggled this year, they will get back two-time All-Star Shane Bieber next month. That is why Heyman isn’t willing to call them sellers this month just yet.
What adding Smith and/or Clase means for the Yankees and Mets
Cade Smith is only in his second season in the big leagues, but the 26-year-old has emerged as one of the better relievers in the American League. He has a mid-90s fastball and a plus slider. He would be a very nice addition for either the Yankees or Mets, and he is under team control until 2029. Meaning he has the potential to be a future closer option for either club.
However, Clase is the true prize of the Guardian’s pen. He is a three-time All-Star who posted an absurd 0.61 ERA in 2024. While he isn’t posting the same numbers this year, he still has a sub-3.00 ERA, 21 saves, and a 44-10 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He is under team control for three more seasons.
Clase joining the Yankees would give them an impressive late-inning trio with Devin Williams and Luke Weaver. The Mets have an All-Star closer in Edwin Diaz. But he and Clase would be the best one-two punch from the pen in the entire league.
