If there’s one thing MLB legend Pedro Martinez knows, it’s how to win Cy Young awards, as the former ace won three and came in second place for two more during his illustrious career.
His opinion when it comes to pitching is as respected as any, so when he says that Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase deserves Cy Young consideration, he isn’t wrong.
Clase is having one of the most dominant seasons in MLB history for a closer, but has been an afterthought in the Cy Young conversation as Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal continues to run away with it, but Pedro said during a recent appearance on B/R Walk-Off, “This is probably the biggest reason why the Guardians are where they are, it’s because once you put the ball in his hands, it’s game over, and you know it, and the entire team knows it.”
Does Emmanuel Clase deserve AL Cy Young shouts? 🤔
(w/ @45PedroMartinez) pic.twitter.com/QmQ2FKPEs6
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) September 18, 2024
Pedro gave Clase credit for not being a “baby closer” and needing multiple days off between appearances, praising him for always taking the ball when his team needs him to.
Clase didn’t have his best year in 2023 and posted a career-high 3.22 ERA while blowing 12 saves, but he has been lights out this year to the tune of a 0.65 ERA and 46 saves with 63 strikeouts and just eight walks.
He has given up five earned runs all season and just one in the second half, but even Pedro acknowledges Skubal will likely win given how skewed the votes are towards starting pitchers.
Skubal has been incredible, but Clase is having the type of season where if he doesn’t win the Cy Young, it’s likely we could never see a closer win the award again.
Only Dennis Eckersley and Eric Gagne have won the award as closers.
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