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MLB Trade Deadline 2016: Winners and losers

By Rob Wolkenbrod

Jul 20, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy (20) hits a two run single against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the sixth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 20, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy (20) hits a two run single against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the sixth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 9, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians catcher Yan Gomes (10) reacts after lining out in the eighth inning against the New York Yankees at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 9, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians catcher Yan Gomes (10) reacts after lining out in the eighth inning against the New York Yankees at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Loser: Cleveland Indians

To call the Cleveland Indians a “loser” at the MLB Trade Deadline may be a stretch. They picked up Andrew Miller, the best reliever available once Aroldis Chapman was dealt. Miller will probably be the Indians closer for the rest of this season and the next two years.

However, the price for Miller was high. They gave up a package headlined by top prospects Clint Frazier and Justus Sheffield. While neither player is guaranteed for success, sending them for someone who pitches one inning per night may be a stretch. If you are going for it, though, then this may not be the worst thing. This doesn’t really make them a loser. What does is the Indians being unable to acquire Jonathan Lucroy.

The Indians thought they were getting an All-Star catcher, but due to a contract holdup, Lucroy used his no-trade clause. This ended any chances of a deal happening.

Failing to acquire the 30-year-old was a disappointment for the Indians. They have struggled at the catcher position in 2016, most notably with Yan Gomes, who is hitting .165 and hurt. By not getting Lucroy, they’ll have to rely on Gomes, when he returns, and Chris Gimenez. For a team that’s trying to make a World Series run, that’s a sizable gap in the lineup that could be exposed in the postseason.

It may be difficult to say that the Indians are the biggest losers at the MLB Trade Deadline, but failing to acquire Lucroy hurts, even though it’s not really their fault.

Next: Chicago Cubs

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