Emmanuel Clase 2020 Outlook: Future Closer Should Have Present Value
5 years agoUPDATE: Emmanuel Classe will not be eligible to play the 2020 season due to PED suspension. Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase, acquired from Texas in the Corey Kluber trade, is widely being looked at as Cleveland's closer of the future. With Brad Hand still around, however, Clase will at least begin the season in a setup role. In 23 1/3 big league innings last year, Clase posted a 2.31 ERA/3.42 xFIP along with just under a strikeout per inning. While Clase doesn't quite have the strikeout upside of some other pitchers in the Cleveland bullpen, he induces weak contact and mostly ground balls, making him a valuable piece in what could be a sneakily strong bullpen. Clase should be owned in all holds leagues, and could be closing sooner than later depending on what Cleveland does with Brad Hand.