Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Emmanuel Clase

How Emmanuel Clase built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Emmanuel Clase is a professional baseball pitcher from the Dominican Republic currently playing for the Cleveland Guardians in MLB. He previously played for the Texas Rangers, debuting in 2019. Clase is known for his high-velocity cutter, making him a dominant closer for the Guardians. He has quickly become one of the premier relief pitchers in baseball, earning All-Star selections and establishing himself as a key component of the Guardians' bullpen.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

February 11, 2015: Signs with San Diego Padres

On February 11, 2015, Clase signed with the San Diego Padres as an international free agent for a $125,000 signing bonus.

2016: Plays for the AZL Padres

In 2016, Clase played for the AZL Padres.

2017: Plays for the AZL Padres (2)

In 2017, Clase played for the AZL Padres (2).

May 7, 2018: Traded to the Texas Rangers

On May 7, 2018, the Padres traded Clase to the Texas Rangers as the player to be named later in an earlier trade for Brett Nicholas.

August 2, 2019: Contract selected by Rangers and promoted to MLB

On August 2, 2019, the Rangers selected Clase's contract and promoted him to MLB.

December 15, 2019: Traded to Cleveland Indians

On December 15, 2019, the Rangers traded Clase and Delino DeShields Jr. to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for Corey Kluber and cash considerations.

2019: Trade to Cleveland

Following the 2019 season, Clase was traded to Cleveland.

2019: Assigned to Down East Wood Ducks

In 2019, Clase was assigned to the Down East Wood Ducks of the High-A Carolina League.

2019: MLB Debut with the Texas Rangers

In 2019, Emmanuel Clase made his Major League Baseball debut with the Texas Rangers.

2021: Main Closer for Cleveland

In 2021, Clase became the main closer for Cleveland.

2021: Returns to Indians' Bullpen; Named AL Reliever of the Month

In 2021, Clase returned to the Indians' bullpen. He was also named AL Reliever of the Month after converting all six save opportunities in August and holding opposing batters to a .095 average.

April 2, 2022: Signs Five-Year Extension

On April 2, 2022, Clase agreed to a five-year $20 million extension with the Cleveland Guardians.

July 2022: Named All-Star

In July 2022, Clase was named to his first career All-Star team. He pitched the ninth inning for the American League at Dodger Stadium and struck out the side to get the save and secure a 3–2 victory.

2023: Leads MLB in Saves

In 2023, Clase led MLB in saves for the second year in a row.

July 2024: Named to Third All-Star Team

In July 2024, Clase was named to his third career All-Star team. He threw a scoreless ninth inning for the American League to get the save and secure a 5-3 victory.

2024: Game 2 of 2024 ALDS

In Game 2 of the 2024 ALDS, Clase gave up a game-winning three-run home run to Kerry Carpenter. He recorded saves in games 4 and 5 that won the series. In Game 3 of the 2024 ALCS, Clase gave up back-to-back home runs. Following the conclusion of the season, Clase was named AL Reliever of the Year for the second time.