Clase's Guardians contract could be worth $38M over 7 years

Updated Apr. 13, 2022 3:31 p.m. ET

Associated Press

CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland closer Emmanuel Clase gets a $2 million signing bonus and $1.5 million salaries this season and next as part of his $20 million, five-year contract with the Cleveland Guardians, a deal that could be worth $38 million over seven seasons.

Clase gets $2.5 million in 2024, $4.5 million in 2025 and $6 million in 2026 as part of the deal announced last Thursday.

Cleveland has a $10 million club option for 2027 with a $2 million buyout and a $10 million team option for 2028 with a $10 million buyout.

Clase would get a $1 million assignment bonus if traded.

His 2027 and 2028 salaries could increase based on performance from 2022-26: $500,000 each for 200 games or innings and 250 games or innings, and $1 million for 300 games or innings. Each of the options would increase by $500,000 each time he wins the Mariano Rivera-Trevor Hoffman reliever of the year award and by $250,000 for each second- or third-place finish for the award. He can earn a maximum of $3 million in escalators.

Clase missed the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season after being suspended for the use of the performance-enhancing drug Boldenone. But the 24-year-old closer was dominant in 71 appearances as a rookie last season, striking out 74 in just 69 2/3 innings while earning 24 saves with a paltry 1.29 ERA.

The 24-year-old right-hander was 0-1 with an 18.00 ERA in two appearances over one inning this season.

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