Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase is shattering bats and records while making a compelling argument for the AL Cy Young Award
Emmanuel Clase is smashing both bats and records at a remarkable pace.
He’s become one of the top closers in baseball, and his impressive cut fastball is reminiscent of Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera during his time with the New York Yankees. Clase is having a standout season that could lead to winning the Cy Young Award, which is rare for relief pitchers.
On Monday night, Clase secured his MLB-leading 46th save, marking his 33rd consecutive save since May 20. This ties José Mesa’s single-season record for the Guardians, who edged closer to an unexpected AL Central title with a 4-3 comeback victory over the Minnesota Twins.
The game followed a familiar pattern: another Cleveland comeback, which was their 40th this season, followed by Clase closing the game.
At Progressive Field, when the bullpen door swings open in the ninth inning, fans know it’s game over. This has been the case all season long.
Guardians second baseman Andrés Giménez is well aware of this routine. Once he hears Clase’s entrance music and sees him jogging onto the field with his braided hair bouncing from under his cap, he knows what to expect.
“I feel like I’m going to go home early,” Giménez said. “Honestly, it’s been absolutely incredible this year, and in the last three years. It’s just unbelievable, saving 40 games each season. It’s crazy. It’s special.”
Clase’s stats are almost hard to believe. He has given up only five earned runs in 69 1/3 innings, leading to an impressive 0.65 ERA. His 94% save conversion rate has solidified his place in the conversation for the AL Cy Young Award.
His advanced statistics also set him apart from many pitchers, and the fact that he has performed so well for a Cleveland team that has led its division since early April makes the 26-year-old — already the Guardians’ career saves leader — an even more compelling candidate.
But there’s more to Clase than just his statistics; he would probably be leading the league in broken bats if that stat were tracked.
He eagerly wants the ball every day and thrives on the challenge. Last month, after pitching for four straight days, first-year Guardians manager Stephen Vogt had to keep him in the dugout to prevent him from pitching again.
The American League hasn’t seen a reliever win the Cy Young Award since Dennis Eckersley of Oakland in 1992. Eric Gagne was the last National League reliever to win after saving 55 games in 2003.
