Pitchers and catchers report to spring training in less than a month. However, the offseason is far from over with some of the top free agents still unsigned. These looming decisions may cause teams to seek a trade as a backup plan.

This may be the case for the Chicago Cubs as they are reportedly keeping an eye on the Cleveland Guardians closer, Emmanuel Clase. Bruce Levine, who is a baseball analyst for WCSR-AM and 670thescore.com, reported that the Cubs are interested in Clase.

This isn’t the first time that Clase’s name has come up in trade rumors this offseason. Jeff Passan mentioned before Winter Meeting that Cleveland was open to dealing him. Then Ken Rosenthal elaborated on the situation and reported just before the new year that the Guardians could package Clase and Shane Bieber together to get the maximum return for the two pitchers.

Clase is coming off an inconsistent 2023 season where he was among American League Leaders in both saves and blown saves. He finished the year with a 3.22 ERA, 1.156 ERA, and 2.91 FIP.

The 25-year-old’s true value is in his contract. Clase signed a five-year $20 million extension before the 2022 season. This means he’s under an ultra-team-friendly deal through the 2028 season in an era where bullpen pitching comes at a high price.

Edwin Diaz signed a five-year $102 million contract, the richest of its kind of a reliever, before the 2023 season. All-Star closer,  is still a free agent and is looking to break that record with his contract.

There’s no doubt that the Guardians could get something substantial for Clase if they do choose to trade him. Will the Cubs make an offer enticing enough for Cleveland to make a move?