The Mets are looking at ways to bolster their bullpen as they gear up for what’s shaping up to be a tight National League East race with the Phillies. While they don’t necessarily need a closer with Edwin Díaz anchoring the ninth inning, adding another elite arm could make them downright dangerous.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan recently listed Cleveland’s Emmanuel Clase as a potential trade candidate, and he sees the Mets as one of the best fits.
“Clase was nearly unhittable last season, but his numbers have regressed this year. He has issued more walks and gotten fewer ground balls while allowing more damage on his cutter that averages 99 mph — in part due to more center-cut locations. Under contract for less than $30 million through 2028, he would bring a big return to Cleveland.”
The regression Passan mentions is worth noting, but context matters here. Clase’s sitting with a 2.86 ERA and 21 saves this season. That’s a step back from his otherworldly 2023 campaign when he posted a 0.61 ERA and captured his second Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year Award.
But let’s put this in perspective.
Since 2021, Clase’s been arguably the most dominant reliever in baseball. Over that span, he’s posted a 1.78 ERA with 178 saves, led the majors in saves twice, and earned three All-Star selections. That 99-mph cutter he throws isn’t just hard – it’s been nearly impossible to square up.
The appeal for the Mets goes beyond just adding another elite arm. Having Clase and Díaz at the back end would give them one of the most lethal bullpen combinations in baseball. You’re talking about two guys who can shut down opposing lineups in the biggest moments.
There’s also the insurance factor. Díaz has an opt-out clause in his deal, so acquiring Clase would protect against losing their closer while potentially giving them the flexibility to use both in high-leverage situations throughout the playoffs.
The price tag wouldn’t be cheap – Cleveland would want a significant return for a reliever under contract through 2028 at such a reasonable rate. But for a Mets team with championship aspirations, that’s the kind of move that could put them over the top in what’s looking like a brutal division race.
