Padres should sell high on All-Star closer amid investigation into Guardians’ bullpen star

The San Diego Padres might have just been handed a deadline gift, even if it came at the expense of another team. On July 28, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave by Major League Baseball as part of an ongoing sports betting investigation.

The development deals a massive blow to a Guardians bullpen that’s now lost two key arms under similar circumstances. While Cleveland scrambles to adjust, the Padres find themselves in a position to capitalize, especially if they’re serious about reshaping the roster at this year’s trade deadline.

Robert Suarez trade value soars after Guardians lose star reliever

MLB and the Guardians issued the following joint statement:

“The Guardians have been notified by Major League Baseball that as part of their sports betting investigation, Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave per an agreement with the Players Association. We have been informed that no additional players or Club personnel are expected to be impacted. The Guardians are not permitted to comment further at this time, and will respect the league’s confidential investigative process as we continue to fully cooperate.”

The rumored pitch in question:

Though Clase was never truly on the Padres’ radar as a trade target, his removal from the market dramatically shifts the bullpen landscape for contenders looking to make a splash. That’s where San Diego comes in. And more specifically, Robert Suarez.

The Padres haven’t been actively shopping Suarez, but interest around the league is real, and growing. With 30 saves, a 3.38 ERA, and a track record of late-inning dominance, Suarez is the type of elite reliever that can instantly tilt a playoff race. In a bullpen that already leads the majors in ERA (3.04) and saves (36), Suarez is the crown jewel, and one of three Padres relievers who made the All-Star team this season, marking an MLB first.

That success is exactly why his value may never be higher. And with a thin farm system and pressing needs elsewhere — particularly at left field and catcher, the Padres might not have the luxury of keeping all their best bullpen pieces if it means addressing the bigger picture.

President of Baseball Operations AJ Preller has made it clear that the Padres are exploring creative trade paths, especially if it helps balance out a roster that’s too top-heavy in certain areas. There’s also been chatter about moving Dylan Cease to extract even more value.

But moving Suarez may offer a more efficient path. With Clase off the board, the Padres can now position Suarez as a top available closer on the market, and demand a return worthy of that title. Teams in desperate need of back-end help, think the Phillies, Mets, Cubs, and Mariners — may be more willing to pay a little more now that the Guardians’ top arm is out of the picture.

Trading Suarez won’t be popular in the clubhouse or with fans. He’s been nails this year, a consistent anchor in a bullpen that’s masked the team’s other inconsistencies. But this is the kind of savvy, tough-decision window that smart front offices live for — and that struggling farm systems demand.

If the Padres want to stay competitive both now and in the long term, selling high on Suarez might be their best play yet — and they may not get a better chance than this one.

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