5 teams expected to be active on the MLB trade market

3. If Cleveland moves Franciso Lindor, expect a roster sell-off

Cleveland traded away ace Corey Kluber this weekend to the Rangers, receiving outfielder Delino Deshields and right-handed reliever Emmanuel Clase for arguably their best starter in over a decade. Owner Larry Dolan seems unwilling to pay the Indians top talent, despite playing in the World Series just three seasons ago.

Now, teams are calling about shortstop Francisco Lindor, with MLB Trade Rumors linking the Dodgers, Padres, and Reds as teams who have engaged in talks with the Indians. There are reports that Cleveland is less motivated to move Lindor as they were with Kluber, given Lindor is much younger and has two more years on his deal. But were the Indians to move Lindor, that would likely mark them as open for business and could lead to other deals involving infielder Jose Ramirez or starter Mike Clevinger.

Of course, the Indians could just hold onto their stars for now in a weak American League Central division. Their pitching is still strong behind Shane Bieber and Clevinger, plus an offensive trio of Lindor, Ramirez, and young outfielder Jordan Luplow helped carry the Indians to a 93-win season last year. But with the Reds involvement and their history with the Indians, working out the three-team trade last deadline with the Padres, there’s already familiarity there between the two clubs.