After being swept by the Twins this weekend and falling to two games below .500, the Indians have told teams they may be open to trading Justin Masterson, according to Danny Knobler of CBS Sports.
Masterson, the Tribe's opening day starter, earns $3.825MM in 2012 after avoiding arbitration this past offseason. Masterson is controlled through the 2014 season and has pitched to a 4.47 ERA with a 6.9 K/9, 3.8 BB/9 and a 56.4 percent ground-ball rate that is tied for sixth-best in the Majors. Masterson's control has taken a significant downturn this season, as evidenced by the rising walk rate (2.7 BB/9 in 2011) and his AL-worst 11 wild pitches.
Knobler reports that both the Reds and Rangers had scouts present to watch Masterson's start against the Twins in Minneapolis yesterday, though he wasn't particularly impressive. He allowed eight earned runs to the Twins over 5 2/3 innings on seven hits, two walks a and a hit batter.
The Indians are also open to trading Shin-Soo Choo for the right price, and both the Pirates and Reds appear to be interested at the moment. There have been rumors over the past few weeks that they could deal Chris Perez as well, but Knobler calls it "doubtful" that Perez will be traded.
I think Masterson is the perfect starter that the Twins should be pursuing this offseason. He’s slumping as of late but he’s more of a low risk-high reward type of SP and when he’s on he’s as good as anyone in the league.
If the Sox decide to add a starter, could Masterson be the guy? He’s cost controlled, but that indubitably ups his price with regard to prospects.
They’ve tried to reacquire him in the past haven’t they? Wouldn’t be surprised to see them make a push.
Yep. Since he would be able to help in 2013 and 2014 as well as this year, he’s the type of player I wouldn’t mind the Sox making a run at.
Here is what I think one of the following Bradley or Barnes + Brandon Jacobs & Henry Owens
Will cost you Barnes or Bradley and pieces though…..
As a Tribe fan, Masty is worth it though. He’s had some tough luck this year but his fastball is still nasty.
I bet the Red Sox are jumping up and down with excitement if this is true. They’ve been trying to get him back since they traded him
dibs
whoops. hit post by mistake. my bad.
Hell look good as the dodgers number two, but de la rosa will be coming back soon, so not much of a necessity.
I’d like to see the Indians keep Masterson and try to build around him. Jiminez, Masterson and McAllister are three young and relatively cheep starters they can build around. If they can acquire a FOR starter and see Masterson turn it around then they would have a the makings of good staff by AL Central standards.
With how many teams are looking for pitching, there is no way the indians will justify being aggressive enough to trade top flight prospects for a front end starter.
Because your afraid he will shut down the yanks?
First, I am a little surprised that the Indians want to trade Choo.
Also for some odd reason I thought he made a heckuva a lot more that 4.9 Million.
Even more surprising that he might be be traded to a National League team.
Why don’t the Rays have interest in him? They could use a hitter and maybe they have the pitching that the Indians could possible covet. Choo destroys the Orioles. I mean I don’t really want to help the Rays :p, but seriously, Choo would be a good fit.
In other words, they don’t want to pay Masterson when he is eligible for free agency
Reds will land Choo.
Hope so!
You guys are just hoping they don’t move Hamilton in this deal, which they might have to beat out Pittsburgh’s offer of including Marte. Man, the Indians are smart to use the Bucs and Reds against each other. High stakes…..
Todd Frazier would be the major league guy the indians would want to + they would want one of the following prospects Robert Stephenson, Donnie Joseph, Neftali Soto + Kyle Lotzkar to round out the deal.
Sounds like a presely/ Tabata plus korriea for Choo swap makes sense for both teams. I am sure the way Stubbs has been playing he would be more appealing to the Indians but not sure cincy would have a cf if the moved him.
No chance in hell the Indians would do that Pressley/Tabata plus Correa deal. No way. Choo is not a must sell for the Indians, they have to be convinced to move him.
well 30 years next season Boras client oh and wants to win all that addsd up to a goner
I have no idea how you think that haul is equal to Choo.
Go get ’em, AA
Since he is controlled, everyone who is hoping for Masterson better be prepared to give up an insane load to acquire him. He’s young, up and coming and under control. No way would the Tribe look to trade him unless Antonetti is absolutely blown away.
This doesn’t make any sense, either the rumor or the commentary:
-Perez is going to get the biggest raise at arbitration and relievers are easier to find
-Perez has a cheap replacement already proven in Pestano that is under cheap control
-Masterson is actually a worthwhile starter and the Indians have horrible starters
-Masterson has had a down year which: 1) keeps his arbitration raise down and 2)keeps his trade value down
-Even if this rumor was true, why would you keep a closer and a RF who are leaving after 2013 and then trade a SP? You would deal the whole trio, and Asdrubal too probably if you are looking beyond 2013.