3 starters Cleveland should sell to the highest bidder at the trade deadline

Trading away Jose Ramirez would signify the end of an era in Cleveland

Though he has spent his entire nine-year big league career in Cleveland, three-time All-Star third baseman Jose Ramirez could be put on the trading block later this month. He is entering the final year of his deal with Cleveland. While he has a team option for both 2022 and 2023, Cleveland may decide to cut bait with their corner infield star if they they can get a massive return for him.

On the year, Ramirez is slashing .260/.346/.524 for Cleveland in 82 games. He has 19 home runs and 52 runs batted in on the season as well. As with Bieber, dealing Ramirez is all about maximizing value. They do not need to trade him for a bag of baseballs like they could do with Rosario on his expiring deal. However, they may trade him instead of extending the team option.

For a team in dire need of an upgrade at the hot corner, Ramirez could be one of the biggest names potentially on the trading block. Cleveland may be reluctant to dealing him within the American League, but if a contending team in the National League, someone like the New York Mets was interested in him, maybe these two ballclubs can make a blockbuster deal once again?

Overall, Cleveland has some time to get back into the postseason mix. They might have to try their luck as a wild card team this year, but if they can get within striking distance of Chicago, they may try one last stab at getting to a World Series with this core. Either way, a rebuild is likely coming to Northeast Ohio in the next year or so. It would be wise of them to replenish the farm system soon.

What other players could Cleveland make available if they become surprise sellers at the deadline?