As the MLB trade deadline looms, the Cleveland Guardians are once again at the center of speculation — this time with a surprising twist. According to multiple league insiders, Cleveland could be open to moving star closer Emmanuel Clase, not for prospects or a rebuild, but for an immediate middle-of-the-order bat to elevate their playoff chances.
And one name keeps popping up as a potential target: Ryan Mountcastle of the Baltimore Orioles.
This isn’t just another rumor — it’s a high-stakes gamble involving two key players with valuable contracts and team control. If executed, it could be the kind of win-now deal that energizes a playoff push and electrifies a fanbase hungry for October success.
Why Clase is a Trade Chip — Despite His Dominance
Emmanuel Clase has been one of MLB’s most dominant closers since becoming the Guardians’ ninth-inning anchor in 2021. He led the league in saves in both 2022 and 2023 and owns a career ERA hovering near 2.00, with elite velocity and command. He’s under a team-friendly contract through 2026, with two affordable club options in 2027 and 2028, giving any acquiring team up to four years of control at a bargain.
Clase’s contract is structured as follows:
- 2025: $2.5 million
- 2026: $4.5 million
- 2027: $6 million club option
- 2028: $6 million club option
For a reliever of Clase’s caliber, that’s an absolute steal — and that’s precisely why he has significant trade value. The Guardians have the bullpen depth to absorb his loss, with arms like Hunter Gaddis, Scott Barlow, and Cade Smith showing potential in high-leverage roles.
Why Mountcastle Makes Sense
Cleveland’s offense has been solid but far from explosive. They need a right-handed slugger who can hit for power and protect José Ramírez in the lineup. That’s where Ryan Mountcastle comes in.
Mountcastle, 27, is in the midst of one of his most consistent seasons yet. He’s hitting above .270 with 15+ homers at the All-Star break, and he’s maintained an OPS around .800 while flashing strong numbers against left-handed pitching.
What makes him even more appealing? His contract situation.
Mountcastle is arbitration-eligible through 2026 and won’t hit free agency until 2027, giving the Guardians two and a half years of control at a reasonable cost — especially for a power bat.
Projected arbitration salaries:
- 2025: ~$6.5 million
- 2026: ~$9 million
That’s excellent value for a middle-of-the-order threat who can play both first base and designated hitter.
A Win-Win Scenario?
The Orioles are looking for bullpen help, especially with their closer role currently shared among inexperienced arms. Clase could solidify the back end of Baltimore’s bullpen and be a long-term asset on a contending roster.
Meanwhile, Mountcastle fills Cleveland’s most urgent need — a reliable right-handed bat who can hit 25+ homers annually and lengthen the lineup.
Guardians fans would likely embrace Mountcastle immediately. He plays with intensity, has postseason experience, and would bring personality and pop to a Cleveland lineup that sometimes feels too one-dimensional.
Bottom Line
This would be a bold and risky move — but potentially franchise-altering in the right direction. By trading Clase, Cleveland would be cashing in a premium asset for an equally impactful offensive upgrade, all while staying competitive in 2025 and beyond.
It’s rare for two win-now teams to align on a deal like this, but if both front offices decide to gamble on their strengths and address their weaknesses, we may just see Clase and Mountcastle switching uniforms come deadline day.
