Cleveland Indians: 20-12, Tied for first place in the AL Central with the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins
Status: Buyers and Sellers
The Indians are in an interesting situation. They have the talent to make a World Series run, but they also have some players that can be moved. Someone like Mike Clevinger is a luxury more than a need for the Indians. There has been a ton of rumors about Clevinger and or Zach Plesac being on the trade block due to breaking COVID protocols. While they do have the talent to be considered “sellers” they also need to go out and get a bat for this struggling lineup.
Players Involved In Potential Moves:
Mike Clevinger
As mentioned above, the Indians do not need Clevinger at this point. They have an embarrassment of riches in their rotation that only got stronger with the call-up of Triston McKenzie. Clevinger will turn 30 in December and is approaching free agency. With strong starting pitching knocking on the door in the minors, Clevinger may be their best chance at adding a real impact player at the deadline.
Zach Plesac
The Indians likely won’t trade Plesac, but he was with Clevinger the night they broke COVID protocols. Plesac is young and will be a key part of this team’s rotation for the foreseeable future. But if the relationship is really broken upon repair, they can go find themselves another impact player to help this season’s World Series run.
Francisco Lindor
This isn’t happening unless an offer just blows the minds of the front office. Lindor’s time with the team is coming to an end and he will be traded before he hits free agency. The Indians are in the middle of perhaps their last run at a World Series with this team and trading Lindor would close the window permanently for this team to win. Again, the odds of Lindor still being in Cleveland after the deadline is 99.99%, but it is still worth noting that he will be traded at some point.
Trades That Can Happen:
Clevinger Trade Packages
I detailed some potential packages for Clevinger in a previous article. I linked that article above.
Trade Targets:
Jorge Soler/Whit Merrifield:
The Royals are not going anywhere with this team. Why not trade some of your best hitters for prospects. Soler was last year’s home run leader in the AL and Merrifield was last season AL hits leader. The Royals need to move both of these players. It makes no sense for them to hold onto them when their value won’t likely get any higher.
Clint Frazier:
Frazier was traded from the Indians to the Yankees in 2016 for Andrew Miller. While the Yankees are banged up, they need to address their rotation. Maybe the Yankees dangle Frazier for someone like Plesac or Clevinger. It is a win-win for both sides. The Indians get a young, strong bat for their outfield and the Yankees get some rotation help.
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