Fansided

MLB Trade Deadline: 5 trades Indians should make

By Parker Hurley

Sep 24, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians designated hitter Yan Gomes (right) celebrates his three-run home run with left fielder Michael Brantley (23) and first baseman Carlos Santana (41) in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians designated hitter Yan Gomes (right) celebrates his three-run home run with left fielder Michael Brantley (23) and first baseman Carlos Santana (41) in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Aug 8, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Melvin Upton Jr. (2) reacts to a strike call during a ninth inning at bat against the Philadelphia Phillies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Melvin Upton Jr. (2) reacts to a strike call during a ninth inning at bat against the Philadelphia Phillies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Melvin Upton

The Indians are rumored to be looking into Melvin Upton, and it makes perfect sense. The Indians need an outfielder, and Upton could end up being the best one legitimately on the market. Carlos Gonzalez and Brett Gardner seem to be hard to buy, and compared to Jay Bruce, you are choosing speed and defense over power.

With Brantley only giving them 11 games, and Byrd done for the year after just 34, the Indians have been scrambling for outfield help. They have gone with a rotation of Rajai Davis, Lonnie Chisenhall, Jose Ramirez, and Tyler Naquin. Ramirez and Chisenhall platoon, and Ramirez plays third base when Chisenhall starts.

They have fortunately received higher than expected production out of Naquin, but the outfield needs a jolt. It would be nice to keep Ramirez in the infield, and they could move Rajai Davis and Chisenhall into a platoon with Naquin and Upton.

If Brantley is to come back, it still isn’t like the outfield is crowded. Chisenhall is in right field because his defense is so poor anywhere else, and he can be limited to a bench bat. Naquin is hot now, but his 12 home runs this season compare to the 10 he combined for in 2014 and 2015 when climbing his way up from AA. His .322 average also should see some decline as well. That said, Upton is not even a star who needs to be starting everyday.

What he does bring is depth, and the ability to get on base and run. It makes the Indians outfield rotation better overall. Upton fits into what the Indians are looking for, and if they are going to buy an outfielder this summer, it probably is Upton.

Next: 4. Aroldis Chapman

Home/Cleveland Guardians