RADIO
Emmanuel Clase 2023 MLB Player Outlook: Potential No. 1 Closer Warrants High ADP
2 years agoIn short, Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase was, bar none, the best closer in the American League in 2022, with only the New York Mets' Edwin standing above him as the best closer in all of baseball. Clase's 2022 performance was one to behold as he led all of baseball with 42 saves while pitching to a 1.36 ERA, 1.98 FIP, 1.95 SIERA, and 24.7% K-BB%. The underlying metrics are mind-blowing, as Clase ranked in the 100th percentile in fastball velocity, fastball spin, and chase rate while sitting 98th or better in xwOBA, xSLG, and barrel rate. The flame-throwing right-hander doesn't boast the same strikeout upside as a wealth of relievers across the league but walks few (3.7% in 2022) and keeps the ball in the year (0.37 HR/9). Steamer unsurprisingly projects regression from an eye-popping 2022 season with a 2.77 ERA/2.70 FIP, 27.9K%, and most notably a near-double BB% of 6.6%. Nonetheless, he's also pegged for 35 saves which should contend for the league lead. He's Rotoballer's No. 2 ranked reliever and is going off the board around the 21st pick in 15-team standard leagues, only one spot behind Diaz. Despite reliever volatility, Clase is a safe bet to perform as a top-three closer again in 2023.
