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Cleveland Indians: 1 trade to make to get back in AL Central race, 1 trade to avoid

By Scott Rogust

Jun 5, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona returns to the dugout after an eighth inning pitching change against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 5, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona returns to the dugout after an eighth inning pitching change against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – JUNE 04: Adam Frazier #26 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during the game against the Miami Marlins at PNC Park on June 4, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – JUNE 04: Adam Frazier #26 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during the game against the Miami Marlins at PNC Park on June 4, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

If the Cleveland Indians want to contend for the AL Central, they should trade for this player, while avoiding this athlete altogether.

The Cleveland Indians made the tough decision to trade star shortstop Francisco Lindor to the New York Mets this offseason. Even with Lindor no longer on the roster, Cleveland’s season thus far has been successful. They have pulled away from the Kansas City Royals, Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins to have a comfortable lead in second-place in the AL Central and are in striking distance of the first-place Chicago White Sox.

If Cleveland wants to clinch a postseason berth for the second consecutive season, they need to explore making a trade for one player in particular. But, they can not afford to make a costly move at the trade deadline next month. Here are the two players in question.

1 player to trade for: 2B Adam Frazier

It is no secret that Cleveland desperately needs help in the hitting department. Through 65 games this regular-season, the team has a batting average of .226, which ranks as the third-worst in the majors. With that in mind, it is obvious that they need to add a potent batter to their lineup if they want to make a run at the White Sox.

Perhaps the name that is garnering the most buzz ahead of the trade deadline is Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Adam Frazier. Through 65 games this season, Frazier leads the National League in hits (85) and doubles (23). Additionally, Frazier is slashing .331/.393/.467 while recording two home runs, 24 RBI and 36 runs scored.

Frazier’s presence could do wonders for Cleveland, as they can start him at second base over Cesar Hernandez or throw him in the outfield if they so choose. While Frazier would be a solid acquisition, they will have to outbid plenty of suitors to secure a deal with the Pirates.

If Cleveland is adamant on making a push for the postseason, then they must do whatever it takes to land Frazier at the deadline.

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