Emmanuel Clase may become a Cleveland Guardians legend at this rate

Emmanuel Clase is quietly on his way to becoming a Cleveland Guardians legend.

When the Cleveland Guardiand opted to trade Corey Kluber to the Texas Rangers in 2020 for Emmanuel Clase, fans freaked out. Many couldn’t believe the team did something so bone-headed, and others were mad that they only got back Clase (and Delino DeShields)

That anger didn’t dissipate when it was revealed that Clase had tested positive for performance enhancers and was suspended for 80 games. It looked like a trade that involved a prospect who would never reach maturation.

Turns out, he did. While his reputation is a bit tarnished for the whole anabolic steroid suspension, if he can play this well, and pitch this effectively, for the majority of his career while not popping again, he may find himself in some pretty hollow halls.

Emmanuel Clase is heading toward greatness if he can stay clean

Clase claimed a spot on the MLB First-Team, while also winning the Reliever of the Year award for the American League. Not bad for a 24-year-old who has just finished his second full season in the majors.

The Guardians have had a slew of great closers in their history, with Cody Allen sitting atop the mountain with 149 saves for the club over his tenure in Cleveland. Then you have Bob Wickman, who was less great and more consistent, who put up 139 saves. Of course, you have Doug Jones, the top reliever for the Guardians back in the late 80s and early 90s, then you have less-than-popular reliever, Chris Perez, and of course, the always controversial Jose Mesa.

Those men make up all the closers in club history with 100 saves or more. Clase sits at seventh with 66. Should he have another 40-save season in 2023 as he did in 2022, then Clase will leap into 5th All-Time in saves in just his third season with the club.

That’s the sign of someone knocking on destinies door. Here’s hoping he’s past the need for anabolics.