Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase — a rumored MLB trade deadline target — has been placed on paid leave in connection with a sports-gambling investigation, ESPN's Jeff Passan reported Monday. Clase is reportedly on leave through Aug. 31, per The Athletic's Zack Meisel.

The Cleveland Guardians have seen a few of their best players' names thrown in trade rumors, but it seems they've already made their decision.

Count the Cincinnati Reds among the teams to talk with the Arizona Diamondbacks about third baseman Eugenio Suárez, arguably the most sought-after bat on the trade market. Suárez, of course, spent seven seasons with the Reds, meaning that this would be a reunion.

Anxiety over a potential trade could be affecting the Guardians' first baseman, who manager Stephen Vogt believes is pressing at the plate.

The Cleveland Guardians have spent the bulk of the season as one of the sport's bigger disappointments, failing to build upon an American League Central title and hovering just under .500 in the week before the trade deadline.

Jul 12, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cleveland Guardians first baseman Carlos Santana (41) throws to first base during the eighth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images / Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

The 'gut punch' to Cleveland's team morale and trust could force the Guardians' front office to reconsider trade deadline strategy.

The Yankees hold the top Wild Card spot in the American League, and while they’re fading fast in the American […]