Chicago Cubs reportedly interested in Emmanuel Clase

The Chicago Cubs have improved their rotation by signing Shota Imanaga. Now they are ready to focus on their bullpen.

As such, they have checked in on multiple relievers in free agency. According to Bruce Levine of 670 the Score, their interest is now focused on Guardians' closer Emmanuel Clase.

Clase would be a departure from the norm for the Cubs. They have avoided long-term deals for relievers under the current front office, dating back to the time of Theo Epstein. The difference is that Clase is under a team-friendly contract, with $14.2 million guaranteed over the next three years. He also has a pair of team options at $10 million each for up to five years of team control.

While Clase was not as dominant as he was over the previous two seasons, he still had a solid 2023 campaign. He posted a 3.22 ERA and a 1.156 WHiP over his 72.2 innings, striking out 64 batters with 16 walks. Clase recorded 44 saves, leading the majors for the second consecutive year.

Clase may have run into bad luck last season. His .295 batting average on balls in play, 55.2% ground ball rate and 38.2% hard hit rate were all the worst marks of his career. An adjustment may be enough to get him back to his dominant form. At 26 years old on Opening Day, Clase could be the answer for years to come.