Emmanuel Clase Should Win The Cy Young
Yeah, I said it. I don't care about precedent. I don't care if the most recent example was Eric Gagne in 2003, and only two other relievers have taken home the award to date. The Dominican mountain of a man who sports different color dreads peaking from his cap might be this generation's most dominant talent in the closer role and he deserves to win the Cy Young. When Fireman by Lil Wayne blares from the stadium speakers as he slowly trots out from the right-center bullpen door, it is like Donnie Donowitz's entrance in Inglourious Basterds: instant dread for the opposition. Even when everyone knows what is coming, which is his 100+ mph cutter and slider, batters are only slashing .157/.193/.205 with a .398 OPS, hitters are batting worse than pitchers that have swung the bat in MLB history, pitchers have batted .174/.216/.221 with an OPS of 437. Clase's talent is a rare gem in the world of baseball, and it's time it's recognized.
Clase is no stranger to high usage as he has racked up 279 appearances since taking over the closer role in 2021; the importance of his durability this season weighs even more in 2024. With the state of the Guardians rotation, which has been a rotating cast of characters outside of Ben Lively and Tanner Bibee, that averages barely over five innings a start, Clase has been the headliner of the league's most dominant pen. His league-leading 36 saves have been instrumental to the fortunes of Cleveland's season. In a season where the famed pitching factory has been down due to maintenance for most of the year, Clase has resembled something close to the terminator, mowing down batter after batter in his path securing save after save. He's only allowed four earned runs all season; it is more likely that he'll allow a free pass than give up a run, walking only seven batters compared to 49 Ks. The precision and stinginess are a big reason why Cleveland is in the position it's in, and Clase's contributions cannot be overstated. The Guardos might be closer to mediocre than tied for the best record in baseball if not for what he's done this season.
I know that the odds are against him, like I mentioned above only three relievers have taken home the Cy Young award, but Clase should join them. His season is already on pace to be one of the most dominant seasons ever by a closer. When you consider the context of his importance this year with the unsteady rotation, the unparallelled usage in a season that he's been needed more than ever, and not to mention he's answered the bell again and again, I don't see why shouldn't win let alone be given consideration. I know it comes from a biased place since i'm a fan but when you witness this night after night I mean, can you blame me at all.