MLB Trade Deadline Rumors 2017: 5 moves the Indians need to make

MLB Trade Deadline 2017: 5 trades the Indians should make

CLEVELAND, OH - JULY 6: Bench coach Brad Mills celebrates with Lonnie Chisenhall #8 and Erik Gonzalez #9 of the Cleveland Indians after the Indians defeated the San Diego Padres at Progressive Field on JULY 6, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Indians defeated the Padres 9-2. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JUNE 20: Howie Kendrick #47 of the Philadelphia Phillies high fives teammates in the dugout after scoring in the third inning during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citizens Bank Park on June 20, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /

4. Trade for Howie Kendrick

The Philadelphia Phillies just auctioned off All-Star reliever Pat Neshek and sent him to the Colorado Rockies for multiple prospects. They’re now down to Howie Kendrick as their final trade chip to deal in an effort to get more prospects for the rebuilding process. It would not hurt the Indians to inquire about what it would take to land Kendrick — maybe a top-10 prospect, a mid-tier prospect and a total lottery ticket from A-ball.

Kendrick has dealt with a few minor injuries this year, but in the 39 games he has played, he has been very good. He is hitting .340/.397/.454 with eight doubles and eight steals. For the Phillies, Kendrick has been playing more left field than second base, but still maintains the ability to play both the infield and outfield.

While the Indians wait for Lonnie Chisenhall and Jason Kipnis to return, Kendrick could be useful in multiple positions. The 34-year-old is one of the best pure hitters left in baseball. If he’s healthy, Kendrick is hitting at least .290 with a little bit of pop. He is a tough out with postseason experience in six separate years.

With Chisenhall, Michael Brantley and Bradley Zimmer, the Indians skew heavily left-handed in the outfield. Austin Jackson has performed well in limited platoon situations. Brandon Guyer has been a solid defensive replacement, but Chisenhall and Brantley are not coming out of most close playoff games. The Tribe might have more use for a right-handed outfielder with a better bat like Kendrick who can also play second base in a pinch.

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