Dodgers Targeting Guardians' All-Star Closer to Bolster Bullpen: Report

Dodgers Targeting Guardians' All-Star Closer to Bolster Bullpen: Report originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are bona fide World Series favorites due to their top-tier offense and league-leading comeback wins. They do not know how to lose, but when they do, it is due to two things: starting pitching and the bullpen.

With Tyler Glasnow already back on the mound and Blake Snell expected to return soon, All-Star caliber reinforcements are not returning to fortify their bullpen.

After pouring over $107 million into the pen this offseason, Andrew Friedman, president of baseball operations, is again scouring the relief pitcher market in hopes of adding to an already stacked, yet pivotally flawed roster.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Dodgers have had trade talks with the Cleveland Guardians about closer Emmanuel Clase.

Clase, a three-time All-Star, struggled to begin the season butbounced back recentlys. Since late June, he has converted 15 of his 17 save opportunities and lowered his ERA to 2.90 in the same span. Inserting him into the back of Los Angeles’ bullpen would make it more dangerous come the postseaso ando allow current closer Tanner Scott to move into a less stressful eight-inning role.

Clase is also under contract through 2026 with a $10 million club option in 2027 and 2028. The Dodgers would likely pick up both extra years of control, knowing the cheap price tag, and in return, have one of the league’s most dominant closers under 31 throughout his time with the club.

According to Nightengale, there is one hiccup to the Dodgers' interest in Clase as the Guardians are telling teams they plan to keep the closer. Whether that is a negotiation tactic remains to be seen, but either way, Los Angeles will have to offer a massive haul to acquire Clase’s services.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 21, 2025, where it first appeared.