1 trade candidate from every AL Central team the Phillies should consider
By Matt Dargan
With the Phillies still in the midst of an uncharacteristically quiet offseason, could the team upgrade the roster via the trade market instead of jumping into the free agent pool? While the Phillies are currently in a competitive window to contend for championships, other franchises are headed into rebuild mode and have players to deal and payroll to shed.
Today we will look at who might be available from teams in the American League Central. Some of these players are rumored to be on the trading block, while others would fit a need for a team like the Phillies looking to improve at certain positions on the diamond.
Let's get to know a few players that could entice the Phillies to make a move this offseason.
Emmanuel Clase, RP, Cleveland Guardians
Who's going to get the ball in the ninth inning for the Phillies in 2024? That's an important question following the departure of Craig Kimbrel to the Baltimore Orioles earlier this offseason. The failure of the Phillies bullpen late in games this past October highlights a need for a trustworthy closer capable of getting big outs in big spots.
Josh Hader is currently the top closer on the free agent market, but a recent report from USA Today's Bob Nightengale indicates that the Philadelphia Phillies have no interest in meeting Hader's desire to exceed the $102 million deal the New York Mets handed to Edwin Díaz last offseason.
That brings us to Emmanuel Clase, the two-time All-Star closer for the Cleveland Guardians. Various reports this offseason have pointed to a willingness from the Guardians to trade Clase and Shane Bieber and engage in an active rebuild. Should the Phillies make a phone call?
The 25-year-old Clase is still signed through 2026, so any team trading for his services will get at least two years plus two club options. Obviously, Cleveland will be asking for a lot in any potential deal.
Clase saved 44 games in 2023 while posting a 3-9 record with a 3.22 ERA in 72 2/3 innings pitched. The 3.22 ERA is a tad alarming, as he previously had earned run averages of 1.36 (2022) and 1.29 (2021). Still young and under team control for a while, should the Phillies make an offer?