MLB Trade Rumors: 5 players the Indians should acquire

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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May 2, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Trevor Cahill (38) pitches during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Trevor Cahill/Clayton Richard/Jhoulys Chacin, SP, Padres

Scanning the rest of the big leagues for available starting pitchers capable of holding down a back end spot in the rotation, the Indians could find a trade partner in San Diego. The Padres are in full-blown rebuild mode, and have just one player (Wil Myers) signed to a long-term contract. Therefore, the club is likely willing to deal nearly anyone else – especially players scheduled to become free agents at the end of the season.

Including Jared Weaver, four Padres pitchers fit that description – though Weaver is likely in his final days as a major leaguer. That leaves Trevor Cahill, Clayton Richard and Jhoulys Chacin as a trio that could hold some value as a late-season rental.

Cahill is currently on the disabled list with a shoulder strain, but is not expected to miss a significant amount of time. Prior to the injury, the 29-year-old had put together his best performance as a starter since he was an All-Star with the A’s in 2010. Through 41.1 innings, Cahill has posted a 3.27 ERA and 2.90 FIP with 51 strikeouts and 17 walks.

Richard, like Cahill, found success again as a starter with the Padres after a stint as a reliever elsewhere. The 33-year-old lefty has posted a 4.31 ERA in 10 starts this season. Though he has allowed a major league worst 69 hits to date, Richard has 45 strikeouts and 18 walks in 62.2 innings with a 3.96 FIP. Richard had a 2.52 ERA in nine starts with San Diego in 2016.

Chacin has a 4.61 ERA in nine starts this season, with 43 strikeouts and 18 walks in 52.2 innings. A 29-year-old righty with nine years of major league experience, Chacin has a 3.98 career ERA.

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