Blue Jays search for bullpen upgrade narrows after Emmanuel Clase sports betting news

After missing out on the 2024 MLB Postseason, expectations for the 2025 Toronto Blue Jays were mixed. However, the tables are turning at the right time for the Blue Jays as they currently hold the best record in the American League.

As the trade deadline is drawing closer on July 31, upgrades are a must to make sure the Blue Jays are in the best possible shape to win the 2025 World Series. Of those upgrades, bullpen help is needed for the Blue Jays, but one of the top options is gone now, which narrows Toronto's options.

Clase is off the books for a potential trade target

Since being a member of the Cleveland Guardians organization since 2021, Emmanuel Clase has turned into arguably the best reliever in all of baseball. In his career, Clase has recorded a remarkable 1.88 earned run average with three All-Star Game selections. In 2024, Clase recorded a stunning 0.61 ERA.

2025 has been a rough season for not only Clase, but the Guardians as a whole. After making the 2024 ALCS, the Guardians are currently out of a postseason position and are likely selling at the trade deadline. Clase could have been a big name teams would be interested in trading for including Toronto. However, Clase's name is off the books.

Yesterday, it was announced that Clase was placed on paid leave in connection with an MLB sports betting investigation and he will be on leave until August 31, one month after the trade deadline expires.

Clase would've been a terrific fit for the Blue Jays bullpen with 24 saves, even with a career high 3.23 ERA in what is his age 27 season. Still he would have been an excellent late inning option alongside current closer Jeff Hoffman who currently owns a 4.84 ERA.

With the trade deadline two days away, the Blue Jays need another bullpen option for the final months of 2025.