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By Zach Pressnell
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Philadelphia Phillies are one of the better teams in baseball this season, but they still need some bullpen help to solidify themselves as a true World Series contender.
The trade block is likely set to have a lot of talented relievers on it in the coming weeks, but there might be a few shocking names thrown around in trade rumors.
Michael Hennelly of That Ball's Outta Here recently suggested the Phillies could target Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase at the trade deadline this season.
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"If the Guardians decide to sell at the deadline, they have an enticing asset in closer Emmanuel Clase. The right-hander is a three-time All-Star and has led the AL in saves in the previous three seasons, including a major league-leading 42 saves in 2022 and 44 saves in 2023," Hennelly wrote. "Clase is a dominant, hard-throwing closer who can reach triple digits. Although his 3.48 ERA in 2025 is a career-high, the 27-year-old's 18 saves are tied for the fourth-most in the majors.
"Clase is set to make $6.4 million in 2026 and has two $10 million club options in the following two years. His success, age, and club control make him an intriguing option for reliever-needy teams like the Phillies, but it likely won't come cheap to pry Clase away from the Guardians."
The likelihood of the Guardians trading Clase when he has a few years left of very affordable team control on his contract isn't high. But if any team in baseball is going to be aggressive enough toward adding a closer, it's the Phillies.
The Phillies could send a trade package revolving around pitcher Mick Abel in order to land Clase. Obviously, it would take a lot more than just Abel, but the Phillies could deal from their farm system if the flame-thrower becomes available.
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