'Cy Clase'? Why the Cleveland Guardians' Relief Ace is Capable of Winning Baseball's Highest Pitching Honor

A Look at Emmanuel Clase's Stellar 2022 Season

Emmanuel Clase, the Cleveland Guardians' flame-throwing closer, had a remarkable 2022 season that has him in the conversation for the American League Cy Young Award.

Elite Strikeout Numbers

Clase led all of Major League Baseball in strikeouts per nine innings, with an astonishing 17.4.

He averaged over 15 strikeouts per nine innings in both the first and second halves of the season.

Dominant Stuff

Clase's success stems from his overpowering fastball, which reaches triple digits.

• His fastball averages 99.1 mph, and he throws it over 60% of the time.
• He also has a devastating changeup that he uses to keep hitters off balance.

High-Leverage Situations

Manager Terry Francona has entrusted Clase with the most high-leverage situations, and he has excelled in that role.

Clase has converted 43 of 47 save opportunities, giving him the second-highest save percentage in the American League.

Award Contender

Clase's impressive statistics have him in the running for the AL Cy Young Award.

He is one of the favorites, along with Justin Verlander, Shane McClanahan, and Alek Manoah.

Conclusion

Emmanuel Clase has established himself as one of the most dominant relievers in baseball.

His combination of overpowering stuff, elite strikeout numbers, and ability to perform in high-leverage situations makes him a legitimate Cy Young Award contender.