The Chicago Cubs are expected to be one of the most active teams at the 2025 Major League Baseball trade deadline. They have really obvious needs in their starting rotation, at third base, and in the bullpen. Francys Romero is reporting that the Cubs are interested in acquiring Emmanuel Clase from the Cleveland Guardians. Adding Clase would solidify a bullpen that has been one of the best in baseball so far this season.

Clase has been one of the best closers in baseball over the last few years. He has led the league in saves the last three seasons. This year, he has 23 saves with a 2.74 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP. If the Cubs did acquire Clase, he would not just be a rental. He has one more year remaining on his contract at $6 million. He also has a pair of options for $13 million after that. That’s a bargain for a guy who has been as dominant as Clase has been. Of course, that means he would be more expensive to acquire than some of the rental options, like David Bednar, who is also rumored to be available.

The Cubs are not in desperate need of a closer with the emergence of Daniel Palencia, who has converted his last 13 save opportunities and has struck out 40 batters in 36.1 innings. With that being said, you can never have enough bullpen arms in October. The Cubs might need more from their bullpen in the playoffs if they are not able to bolster the starting rotation at the trade deadline.