The Cleveland Guardians began Opening Day on Thursday by making official a $20 million, five-year contract with Emmanuel Clase, ensuring one of the breakout stars of the rechristened club will be closing games for the foreseeable future.
The deal, which was agreed to over the weekend, includes club options for 2027 and 2028 worth $10 million each.
“I just want to thank God for this opportunity, but also to the Guardians for this opportunity, to become what I always wanted to be — that was a closer,” Clase, 24, said through a translator, shortly before Cleveland opened the season against the Royals. “This is a great way to secure my family and guarantee I will compete with this team for a long time.”
photo courtesy of wkbn.com