CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – A day after agreeing to a five-year extension with third baseman Joe Ramirez the Cleveland Guardians announced they have signed closer Emmanuel Clase to a five-year deal.
The announcement came hours before the Guardians debuted under their new name and branding in Kansas City against the Royals.
Clase, who finished fifth in Rookie of the Year voting, set rookie franchise records for appearances – 71 – and saves – 24 – last season while posting the second-lowest relief ERA in tea, history a 1.29. He led all rookie relievers in ERA and saves.
The hard-throwing right hander’s deal also includes club options for the 2027 and 2028 seasons and is worth a reported $20 million for the five years.
According to Baseball Savant, Clase led all Major League pitchers in pitches that were clocked above 100 miles per hour and he finished the season with the fastest average four-season fastball at 100.7 MPH and average cutter speed of 100.2 MPH in 2021.