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Phillies Get Bad News From Guardians on 2.86 ERA Trade Target

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jul 20, 2025 4:24 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies have been in the market for a closer since the beginning of the year. Jordan Romano's struggles have made the issue even more dire, as the team is looking to add to its bullpen.

While they have plenty of options, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, one of their top trade targets is not expected to be traded.

"The Cleveland Guardians are telling teams they plan to keep closer Emmanuel Clase," Nightengale writes, "Who still is under team control through 2028."

If the Guardians were to trade Clase, the Phillies would be one of the top landing spots. They have decent assets to make a deal work, and with a dire need in the bullpen, they have all the reason to swing a deal.

Clase is under team control through 2028 on a very reasonable salary of $10 million per season in 2027 and 2028. He's also coming off a remarkable 0.61 ERA, 47 save season in 2024, where he was third place in AL Cy Young voting.

While not as other-worldly this season, Clase has still been great. He has a 2.86 ERA, 44 strikeouts, and 21 saves across 44 innings pitched this season. He wasn't an All-Star in 2025, but he's produced at an elite level for the last month.

Over his last 13 appearances since June 17th, Clase has allowed just one earned run. His late dominance is a substantial reason teams like the Phillies are trying to land him. He could be a difference maker in the bullpen.

But, this update shuts down a potential Clase-Phillies trade deadline scenario. The All-Star right-handed closer would've been the perfect fit, but now, the Phillies will have to look elsewhere.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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