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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Apr 16, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Cesar Hernandez (16) makes a play against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Cesar Hernandez, UT, Phillies

He may not have the name recognition of Chris Archer or some of the other players that could potentially be available at the trade deadline (think of the nearly half dozen Royals and White Sox that could be traded), but second baseman Cesar Hernandez is likely to be one of the most sought-after players this summer.

A 26-year-old switch hitter, Hernandez currently has a .296/.364/.420 slash, four home runs and six stolen bases in 41 games. He has only played second base so far this year, but has seen time at shortstop, third base and center field during a five-year major league career dating back to 2013.

Last season, Hernandez produced a breakout campaign in which he hit .294/.371/.393 with a major league leading 11 triples, along with six long balls, 39 RBI and 17 stolen bases. The combination of hitting, speed and the ability to play multiple positions in the infield and outfield makes Hernandez a uniquely valuable asset.

Hernandez won’t be a free agent until 2021, but he isn’t likely to cost nearly as much as someone like Archer or Dickerson. He’s made good on the opportunity to play second base every day in Philadelphia over the past two years, but Hernandez isn’t a franchise cornerstone for the Phillies, and would likely move into a utility role whenever top prospect J.P Crawford gets the call. If that’s his future, Hernandez should welcome an chance to do it for a World Series contender instead of a rebuilder.

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It simply wouldn’t make sense for the Phils to keep Hernandez in the mix with Freddy Galvis and Crawford playing in the middle infield. Hernandez also isn’t going to take at bats from Maikel Franco at third or break through for a starting spot in the outfield, so Philadelphia should get as much as they can for him now while his value is high. And Cleveland could be the perfect trade partner.

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