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
3 of 6
Next
Jul 22, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) pitches during the ninth inning of an inter-league baseball game against the San Francisco Giants at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 22, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) pitches during the ninth inning of an inter-league baseball game against the San Francisco Giants at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Aroldis Chapman

The Yankees are going to move Chapman before the deadline, the question is where? It is no surprise to see that the Indians are one of the front running teams to add Chapman. As mentioned, Tommy Hunter just went down.

This also has been a bullpen that was going to need improvement with or without Hunter. Cody Allen has been fine as the closer, but has already mentioned he has no problem giving up the closer role.

Adding Chapman in the ninth and moving Allen to the 8th ensures you those two strong innings. It would push guys like Bryan Shaw and Jeff Manship down the totem pole a peg or so and would therefore strengthen the pitching staff as a whole.

Shaw this year has thrown 40 innings for the tribe, nine more Chapman has thrown after his suspension. Shaw strikes out 9.8 batters per nine, walks four batters per nine, and has an ERA of 4.46. Chapman is striking out 12 batters per nine, walking two batters per nine, and has an ERA of 2.01. The upgrade in late inning relief would be major.

Chapman obviously comes with his off-field issues, but is a free agent this off-season. If giving up a mid level prospect, the Yankees would probably eat some salary to retain anything for him. The Indians can use him for this stretch run, get to know him and see if he is a fit to move forward with, all for a small price. If he is pitching for the last out in the World Series, they may be wanting to bring him back.

Next: 3. Jonathan Lucroy

Home/Cleveland Guardians