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MLB Trade Rumors: 5 players the Indians should acquire

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Apr 2, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer (22) celebrates as they get the last out of the seventh inning against the New York Yankees and leaves bases loaded at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer (22) celebrates as they get the last out of the seventh inning against the New York Yankees and leaves bases loaded at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Indians appear poised for another postseason run, and a well-timed deal before the trade deadline could spark another trip to the World Series.

After squandering a 3-1 series lead to the Chicago Cubs, and falling in the 10th inning in Game 7 of the World Series, the Indians now own the longest World Championship drought in the major leagues.

Of course, as the defending AL pennant winners, the Tribe is one of the favorites to make it back to the Fall Classic in 2017. Shortstop Francisco Lindor has blossomed into one of the best players in the big leagues and pairs with Jason Kipnis to give the Indians arguably the best double play combination in the major leagues. Michael Brantly, who missed all but 11 games of last season’s pennant run, is back in action and hitting .291/.358/.463 with five homers and 18 RBI in 35 games.

The addition of slugger Edwin Encarnacion strengthened the lineup, and the Indians have last year’s star mid-season acquisition, relief ace Andrew Miller, available for a full season as well. The club also recently promoted Bradley Zimmer, one of the top outfield prospects in baseball.

Though Cleveland got off to a slow start this season, a three-game sweep over the Houston Astros (baseball’s best team through the quarter mark of the campaign) pushed the Indians into a tie with the Twins atop the AL Central heading into Monday’s interleague series opener with the Reds.

After coming so close last year, the Tribe has an opportunity to get over the hump in 2017. However, Cleveland must address a few roster needs – most importantly starting pitching – in order to give the club it’s best shot to end a not so nice 69-year drought. With that in mind, we offer five potential Indians trade targets.

Needs

Starting pitching

With Miller, Cody Allen, Brian Shaw, Boone Logan, Nick Goody and Boone Logan all posting ERAs of 2.00 or better through Monday morning, the Indians have one of the best bullpens in baseball. However, the starting rotation hasn’t been effective or healthy. Heading into Sunday’s game, Cleveland ranked 28th in the majors and last in the American League in starter’s ERA (4.98). Corey Kluber is on the DL with a lower back strain and Carlos Carrasco left his May 15 start early with tightness in his left pectoral muscle.

Outfield depth and defense

Defensive Runs Above Average (Def), FanGraphs’ overall defensive metric, the Indians ranks No. 18 in the majors in total defense (-2.5), but the Tribe is dead last in center field (-4.8), 26th in left field (-4.9), No. 25 in right field (-3.8) and rank last in the big leagues in outfield UZR (-10.5), ultimate zone rating, another widely used defensive metric. Zimmer should help a lot, since former third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall can move out of center, but Chisenhall is only serviceable in right and Michael Brantley (-3.2) has been bad in left.

Utility player

The Indians designated utility man Michael Martinez for assignment last week and traded him to Tampa Bay May 18. Martinez played in just 15 games this season, but he played three infield positions, center field and he even pitched. After trading Martinez and demoting Yandy Diaz, the Tribe brought Erik Gonzalez up to serve as the only backup infielder currently on the roster (though Chisenhall can play third and third baseman Jose Ramirez can play multiple positions).

Assets

Baseball Prospectus Organizational Talent Ranking: 19

MLB.com Top 100 Prospects: 4

FanGraphs Top 10 Prospects (FV)

  • Francisco Mejia, C (55)
  • Brad Zimmer, OF (55)
  • Triston McKenzie, RHP (55)
  • Greg Allen, OF (50)
  • Bobby Bradley, 1B (45)
  • Will Benson, OF (45)
  • Nolan Jones 3B (45)
  • Erik Gonzalez, UT (45)
  • Yu Chang, IF (45)
  • Brady Aiken, LHP (45)

The Indians have Yan Gomes and Roberto Perez to share the catching duties, which makes Francisco Mejia expendable, as well as one of the most valuable prospects in the system. That’s a good combination for Cleveland.

Zimmer isn’t likely to go anywhere since he appears to be the center fielder of both the present and future. Tristan McKenzie is dominating in High Class-A as a 19-year-old, and though he isn’t expected to be MLB ready until 2020 or so, he has big upside. Gonzalez and Zimmer are the only big league-ready prospects in the top 10.

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