Dodgers lose blockbuster trade deadline option to shocking sports gambling investigation

As the Los Angeles Dodgers desperately seek bullpen help ahead of the July 31 trade deadline, one notable target is suddenly – and shockingly – no longer on the market.

Per a report from ESPN's Jeff Passan, Cleveland Guardians' two-time All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave as part of an ongoing MLB sports betting investigation. He joins teammate Luis Ortiz, who was placed on leave as part of the investigation earlier this month.

The Dodgers were one of several teams who had been linked to Clase prior to the deadline, and their urgent need for bullpen reinforcements and resources to make a trade happen made them one of the more likely landing spots for the flame-throwing right-hander. Needless to say, what was already a competitive market for relief pitching just became even more cutthroat as Thursday's deadline looms large.

Dodgers lose blockbuster trade deadline option Emmanuel Clase to shocking sports gambling investigation

Clase had a jaw-dropping 2024 campaign in which he led the league with 47 saves and pitched to a 0.61 ERA to finish third in the American League Cy Young voting. He is having a "down" year by his standards in 2025, posting a 3.23 ERA through 48 games, but he still would have been one of the most coveted relief pitchers on the market if the Guardians had made him available.

Clase would have been a massive upgrade for a Dodgers bullpen that has been plagued by inconsistency (and injuries) all season. He would give them a reliable right-handed option in the ninth inning, but the Guardians would have commanded a heavy asking price considering he is under team control through 2026 and has two club options on his contract for 2027 and 2028.

Still, the Dodgers still could have used Clase's elite stuff as they embark on their title defense. In the meantime, the value of the few quality bullpen arms remaining on the market is going to skyrocket with Clase out of the picture, and Andrew Friedman should prepare to engage in some heavy bidding wars.

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