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MLB Trade Rumors: 5 teams that should make a deal for Adrian Beltre

By Brad Berreman

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 23: Texas Rangers Designated hitter Adrian Beltre (29) hits a single during a MLB game between the Minnesota Twins and Texas Rangers on June 23, 2018 at Target Field in Minneapolis, MN.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 23: Texas Rangers Designated hitter Adrian Beltre (29) hits a single during a MLB game between the Minnesota Twins and Texas Rangers on June 23, 2018 at Target Field in Minneapolis, MN.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Frank Jansky-Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Frank Jansky-Getty Images /

2. Cleveland Indians

Jose Ramirez is in the midst of a borderline MVP campaign right now, with a .289/.396/.604 slash-line, 22 home runs, 51 RBI, 11 stolen bases and 20 doubles going into Sunday’s action.

So the Indians don’t have a need at third base at all, but Ramirez’s best defensive position is second base and that’s how Beltre would fit.

Jon Morosi of MLB.com has reported the Indians are considering acquiring a third baseman, with Manny Machado of course the biggest fish.

Second baseman Jason Kipnis has been healthy so far this year, but he is struggling at the plate with a .207/.286/.330 slash-line entering Sunday (.615 OPS). So it would be easy to move Ramirez across the diamond, and accommodate a new player taking over at the hot corner.

The risk of affecting Ramirez’s offense with a move in defensive position should be minimal.

The Indians are seven games clear of everyone else in the AL Central right now, and that lead could be double-digits in very short order. So a focus on bolstering a postseason run can be on the radar.

Adding Beltre to a lineup that’s already pretty good might be the most obvious match of player and playoff contender out their as the trade deadline gets closer.

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