2 Pirates trade targets the Indians will want after this series

Trading for reliever Richard Rodriguez would give the Indians a dominant bullpen

Another one of the most sought after trade pieces this deadline will be Pirates closer Richard Rodriguez.

The right-hander owns a 1.91 ERA and 0.741 WHIP in 28.1 innings pitched this season. In five big-league seasons, Rodriguez has been solid across the board with a 3.19 ERA 1.135 WHIP.

Cleveland already owns the fifth-lowest ERA (3.42) in the majors this season. Adding Rodriguez would be another late-inning weapon that makes for a lockdown ‘pen once the seventh inning or later rolls around.

It’s safe to assume Cleveland may also be in the market for a starter as well. Shane Bieber and Zach Plesac are currently on the 10-Day injured list, and the rotation has struggles a bit over recent weeks. If they can’t get their starter on the market, acquiring a late-inning arm in Rodriguez might be the next best thing in giving the team a chance to win games.

Like Frazier, Rodriguez would come with team control. The 31-year-old will make just $1.7 million this season, and Rodriguez is also arbitration eligible for the next two years before becoming a free agent in 2024.

That’s going to mean a hefty price for whoever reaches out to Pittsburgh, so there is plenty of risk for Cleveland to gamble on a reliever on the other side of 30 years old. There’s no question Rodriguez makes them better now, but just who and what they will have to give up could put some doubt in this deal.