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MLB rumors: 5 teams that should trade for Anthony Rendon

By David Salituro

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 10: Anthony Rendon #6 of the Washington Nationals makes a play in the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on May 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 10: Anthony Rendon #6 of the Washington Nationals makes a play in the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on May 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OHIO – MAY 19: Francisco Lindor #12 celebrates with Jose Ramirez #11 of the Cleveland Indians after Lindor scored during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field on May 19, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – MAY 19: Francisco Lindor #12 celebrates with Jose Ramirez #11 of the Cleveland Indians after Lindor scored during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field on May 19, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

3. Cleveland Indians

Last season, the Cleveland Indians traded for former MVP third baseman Josh Donaldson on Aug. 31, moving Jose Ramirez to second base. They can do the same thing this year if they decide to trade for Rendon.

Ramirez had an MVP-caliber season in 2018 but hasn’t been anywhere close to matching that success so far in 2019. He’s hitting just .189 in 45 games with four home runs and a .585 OPS. The Indians have the third-fewest runs scored and homers among third baseman in the Majors.

The Indians have won the AL Central the past three seasons but stand a real chance to see that run end this year. At 25-20, they trail the Minnesota Twins by 4.5 games. They still hold the second Wild Card spot in the American League, due mainly to the play of their pitching staff which ranks fifth in the league in ERA. Trevor Bauer got off to a strong start but has slowed down recently, while second-year starter Shane Bieber has emerged as a rising star, throwing a complete game shutout on Sunday against Baltimore and striking out 15 Orioles.

Donaldson proved to be just a rental last year, leaving for the Atlanta Braves after just more than a month in an Indians uniform. This year Rendon can be the catalyst that leads the Indians to a fourth straight postseason appearance.

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