Early on in the 2018-2019 offseason, I wrote that the outfield was the Indians’ biggest area of need. That was hardly a unique opinion; many around the industry have surmised the same, and it’s fair to wonder whether the Tribe can confidently go toe to toe with some notable AL rivals if their outfield picture as currently constructed doesn’t change.
Since the time of the aforementioned post, the club has watched free agent Michael Brantley sign with the Astros, while fellow outfielder Rajai Davis inked a minor-league pact with the Mets. Cleveland did pad its outfield prospect depth a bit with the acquisition of Daniel Johnson (as a component of the Yan Gomes trade with the Nationals), though he hasn’t played above Double-A and realistically only projects as a fourth outfield type. And while some might consider newcomer Jake Bauers as someone who improves the outlook there, defensive concerns there make it much more likely he’ll fulfill a first base/DH role.
All this is to say that it seems quite likely that the Indians will bring at least one more notable player into the fold. The possibility they’ll stand pat and fill all three roles internally can’t be entirely eliminated, of course, but such an approach would be irresponsible from a club trying to capitalize on a weakening window of contention. A mix-and-match crew of fourth outfielder types won’t help the club make a serious postseason run, after all. The picture is even more bleak when looking beyond the near-term, as the club’s best bet for league-average production, Leonys Martin, is set to depart in free agency next winter.
There are still some notable outfielders available on the free agent market. Keep in mind that any speculation about whether or not the Indians will sign a full-time outfielder must be met with the caveat that the club already went through an arduous effort to trim payroll this offseason, signifying some not-insignificant financial constraints in putting together the roster for 2019. That said, there are some interesting potential fits even in the wake of Andrew McCutchen and Brantley coming off the board.
The top free agent outfielder, Bryce Harper, is light years past being a realistic target for the small-market Indians. Beyond him, the next-best free agent outfielder available is A.J. Pollock. Any realistic pursuit of Pollock would probably involve some additional payroll maneuvering, but the Indians have shown a willingness to pony up, relatively speaking, for talented hitters in recent years (most notably Edwin Encarnacion). If Pollock’s contract ask comes down to four or even three years, he’d be an excellent fit for the Tribe. Marwin Gonzalez is the most talented alternative, and while he’d be paid at least in part for his defensive versatility, his projected contract could be palatable for the Tribe.
Looking at the lower tiers of the free agent market, the Indians could take a chance on the moderate upside of Nick Markakis or Adam Jones. Such a move could provide clubhouse intangibles in addition to a stable fixture at an outfield corner. On the whole, though, it would commit a disproportionate amount of the club’s available finances in order to make a marginal upgrade. Worth mentioning: with some bullpen issues to address, the payroll consequences of the options in free agency shouldn’t be overlooked.
The Indians have a much wider (and more efficient) array of options on the trade market. With excessive rotation depth and some interesting prospects on the farm, the Tribe has the unique ability to appeal to rebuilding clubs and fellow contenders alike. There’s certainly been no shortage of rumors involving the Indians and rival clubs with outfield depth.
The most serious rumblings to date have been centered around Dodgers prospect Alex Verdugo. The price would be a steep one, as the structures discussed would involve the Tribe sending two-time Cy Young Award-Winner Corey Kluber to Los Angeles for Verdugo and (presumably) other pieces. The Indians have also been connected to Reds prospects Nick Senzel and Taylor Trammel, though Cincinnati’s recent acquisition of Alex Wood might reduce their need for rotation pieces at this juncture.
The Phillies and Brewers are the only other teams who’ve been definitively connected to the Indians in trade rumors, though that doesn’t necessarily mean that other talks haven’t taken place. Speculatively speaking, rebuilding clubs like the Rangers (with whom the Indians recently discussed a trade involving Joey Gallo) could be interested in some of the Tribe’s high-ceiling talent in the lower minors.
The recap above being fairly comprehensive, we’ll turn the discussion over to the readers at this point. How do you think the Indians will address their outfield need? (poll link for app users)
One thing is for sure, they’re outfield will be different than what it is come opening day
yeah!!! you are 2-2 on the first to post today. when was the last time Gary went 2-2. #YWPswallowsGary2019
Reported!
The irony of you reporting him is methinks you’re a previously banned user… I admit you are a lot kinder in this new account…
Go away Pness
1. Use proper English when commenting to me.
2. Reported!
#YWPswallowsGary2019
When is the last time you went 2-2 in the majors?
He’s batting a thousand at getting reported
better average than Sanchez…and heck when I get banned that’s only 1 SO vs many more Sanchez will give the tanks.
HA
What is your problem with Sanchez? Are you a tigers fan?
Yes an overhyped bum
Mlb the show, road to the show lol
Gary bounce back 260-80 35-40 homers he’ll still be average behind plate but no one will care bonus Stanton hits 50 homers this yr
as a catcher…ill give him the credit he deserves once he can prove that level. last year he tanked and had a pass ball problem. since he’s on the yanks he is overhyped, put him in Texas he becomes Mike Napoli.
He was injured literally 90% of the season. You really are a yankee hater and have no idea how injuries deter your ability to perform, and Sanchez still hit 30+ homers you clown
Hahahah
Hahahahah
phrasing boom
know your math….there’s 162 games to a season. He play in what 89 of them. this means he played 53% of the season. His ABs also reflect the same math.
if he was able to hit 30 bombs then dont you think his .196 average been better.
he a bum
I made that comparison earlier and that’s with a more threatening looking lineup than Napoli’s ever played in. Lose that and probably looking Jon Singleton!
Hahahah
Teams out there with surpluses of young controllable outfield talent for cheap
Sign Grady Sizemore again. That seems to work out.
I can see the tribe going lower tier unless they move more money in a trade.
I think so too. Adam Jones market collapse? Then Indian for sure. 1/7.5? Sound good?
I’d be in
I think that is Adam jones’ Market. 2/15 is what I see jones getting. A 1/8 wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest.
Dodgers need a catcher first. Another ace would be great, but Barnes everyday would be ugly.
I’m legitimately worried that they won’t do anything at all. If they were to sign Pollock, I imagine it would be around February if his market totally collapsed, and there’s no indication that’s a possibility yet. Marwin Gonzalez is a Boras client, and I’d love to see him be a guy they get but they typically avoid his clients like the plague.
Gallo is pretty intriguing because he’ll hold his own in the outfield and obviously has ridiculous power, but the strikeouts (even if they’re just a part of his game) are still excessive, and I imagine the Rangers will ask a lot for him given that he still has a little club control left. Verdugo and Senzel are intriguing pieces, but they’d need more from LA or Cincy to make a deal for Kluber worth their while.
I can’t imagine that they’d just stand pat and do nothing, but I also don’t see them making a move for anyone significant that’s available, either.
I don’t get the high salary expectations for Pollock. He’s JBJ, only his glove isn’t quite as good as his even tho pollock has gotten a GG and bradley hasn’t in the AL loaded CF elite defensive pile
pollock really hasn’t repeated his breakout 2015 and bradley has just been… Well Bradley.. hot and cold his entire career.
Shame the Tribe isn’t still loaded with relievers. JBJ has 2y left of control and he might have been a good swap for 1 with him projected to make around 9m in 2019. Lot less than pollock will probably get for the same offensive out put and slightly less glove.
Pollock can always go down and shorter years but once you ask you can go up.. He will probably get 2-4 years 38-60 Million but not until late January or February. Pollack won’t sign until Harper signs with who ever. Then everybody that’s left over goes for Pollock and it might turn into bidding war.
There is simply no way Pollock is worth anywhere near 2/$38. What has he done to deserve $19 mil per? He’s 31 and very injury prone and hasn’t had an elite-ish bat since 2015. Even his glove isn’t elite anymore. He simply can not be counted on to play more than 110 games in any year. Or at least not until he can shows us,
I’d take pollock for 2/38. You wouldn’t have to surrender your 2nd pick and the length mitigates the long term injury risk. He’s still highly productive when healthy. It’d be more AAV than Brantley but he is a CF who plays competent defense there.
Pollock has always been a firmly above average hitter. JBJ hasn’t been an above average hitter in 2 seasons. They aren’t the same player at all.
La has more outfielder that can be had like Toles , left handed high average and fast with good defense. Toles and Verdugo both can play all three outfield positions . They also have a first basemen/third baseman that is blocked by Turner and Bellinger. It would cost a lot from Indians. Maybe ask for Muncy he is 1st baseman, second baseman, 3rd baseman or DH. he hit 30+ home runs in 2018 and all these players have lots of years of team control 5 + years I think
The dodgers and tribe match up so well on paper. I think if the dodgers liked Trevor Bauer as much as Cory Kluber they would already have done a deal of sorts.
Don’t need Muncy. Just brought back Santana and traded for Bauers. They need a real outfielder who can hit and bullpen help.
Everyone needs Muncy.
Tribe made big outfield splash before. Sign Michael Borne and Nick Swisher. Bad grades for that. Don’t do again? Do this time a trade.
Nick Castellanos for three prospects? Get it done? Sure.
Hey, you, cubs! You eat some Heyward, we take rest, cheaply. Get it done? Sure.
There, there, don’t fret we solved it together? Castellanos and Heyward.
They can’t let past mistakes stop them from making moves in the future; that would just be irresponsible.
Castellanos can’t play defense (plus I’d imagine Detroit wouldn’t trade him within the division unless the Indians overpaid, which I don’t think is worth it), and Heyward would basically have to be free. I doubt the Cubs would eat that much money.
I don’t think the Tigers care if they trade within the division as long as they get value in return. The Tigers know they are not contending with the Indians or anyone else until the time that Miguel Cabrera is out of town. They already “mortgaged the franchise’s future “.
Yep, and Little Caesar’s Pizza is garbage, too.
Hot + Ready = 5 bucks. Not equal delicious, LOL, but we love RIP Illitch so pizza forgiven?
I hope Cubs move like Dodgers and move to move outfield negative weight. Rush for Harper sweepstakes. Eat Heyward and rush to another bad deal? Send to Indians for almost free, for us to see good not great outfielder? I can hope, can you with me?
EJ your English is a bit rough to read.
No way on Heyward.
@ Michael Chaney;
Years ago the Indians did a study. They found that LH batters hit better in their park.
Ever since then, they have been an overtly LH hitting team. Consequently, in a pitch-counting era where teams have to carry 12-13 pitchers on a 25 man roster, they eat up too many slots allowing for platoons in the OF. Since at least one of a teams OF’s is usually a basher (and due a premium salary), the Indians live with weak hitting OF’s that platoon.
Their solution is switch-hitters. Santana is back to join Rameriz and Lindor. The other day I looked at their top rated prospects. Of the highly ranked position players, only a few were RH hitters. Most were LH hitters (including a Catcher – note that Mejia was/is a SH), and I counted at least 4 SH. With less spots on rosters for position players, the Indians are playing the percentages.
Most FO’s do not build their teams to fit their park. Kudos to the Indians for doing that.
Must not of been the other day. They traded Mejia mid season last year.
I just did my own research and actually 8 LH, 8 RH and 4 SH.
@ dust44;
Just reviewed…..
On the top 25 prospect list I saw, the breakdown of non-pitchers was:
LH – 8
RH – 5
SH – 4
If you look at almost all other teams, their top prospects and 25 man ML rosters are overwhelmingly RH hitting, with few SH’s.
This ratio of only 29% being RH batters is extremely low. That is my point.
The position player hitter breakdown on their current 40-man roster:
LH – 6
RH – 6
SH – 5
In this breakdown as well – 35% RH hitters is extremely low. Most teams have well over 50% RH hitters.
And the 25-man roster will show between 25-30% RH hitters unless the Indians bring in some RH hitters by opening day.
Chris Antonetti: “So where is that flaming trash heap at again?”
Kluber for Kyle Tucker, Josh James, plus…
no thanks
No trades with cheaters.
Who are you calling a cheater?
Agreed
Kluber for Gennett, Schebler, Barnhart and Trammel
Hilarious suggestion. Tribe might as well also throw in Ramirez, Bauer, and Lindor if we’re talking ridiculous fantasy trades
Why do you think they took Kemp in that trade? I think it’s to make a deal with Cleveland. They could offer Kemp, gennet and some prospects for kluber or Bauer. I’m guessing the reds were mostly interested in puig and wood
Why would Cleveland want kemp? How in the world would he fit them at all? Way to expensive, diminishing skill and negative value. And how would he fit in a trade for a TOR pitcher?
No, they took Kemp because LA didn’t want him either. Kemp is an outfielder in name only, and he’s still overpriced; the only way the Indians would take him is if the Reds took Kipnis, and even then they’d probably rather just keep Kipnis.
KEMP, a rental second baseman, and “some prospects” for a 2x Cy on 3 years of a below market deal? What fantasy land are you living in?
If Reds want Kluber it’s Senzel PLUS other valuable pieces. The degree to which Reds (and Dodgers) fans undervalue Kluber is absurd
Lol kluber whos post season numbers are unsightly since 2016. You are just a indians homer who wants top dollar for an aging ace whos owed 80 mill over the next 3 years and is 32.
Not even close to 80 million, and is still a top 5 pitcher in baseball. If anyone is a homer fan it’s you
Kluber has 3 years and 52.7 million left on his contract. He also finished third in the Cy Young award. Let’s not confuse facts with your fake news.
To be fair I would agree about Kemp. He is the only aspect of the trade with the dodgers I don’t like. Gennet is a good productive 2 baseman. I wish I knew why the reds took Kemp.
They took Kemp to rid themselves of Bailey.
That makes sense, Kemp would do more than Bailey. Bailey was a waste of an extension. They should have traded Bailey an kept Leake. Leake was proven to be the better pitcher.
If the Indians were interested in Kemp, the dodgers would have sent him to Cleveland along with Verdugo+ for Kluber and we wouldn’t be here talking about this.
Kluber stuff not up to Sale stuff, purity wise. But stuff plus health make Kluber three times a Sale values.
Kluber trade return need prospects PLUS cheap controllable MLB middling star. My prediction? NY gets by sending Hicks, Bird, and 1/4 of Elsbury contract.
I agree with most of what you said, but your offer goes against what you said Kluber is worth. Hicks is only under control for another year, Ellsbury is worthless, and Bird shouldn’t do much.
What are you smoking? It’s puff puff pass….you can’t be the only one in the circle dude
Kluber’s stuff blows away Sale’s stuff. He has more pitches in his arsenal, and they’re all top notch.
Let’s stop the slob fest, Tribe. Kluber is much older than Sale was at his time of being dealt. Sale and Kluber have posted almost very very similar numbers for the last 3 seasons.
Hell of a haul
Maybe add Suarez as a throw in too
They could have probably traded Kluber for Andujar, Frazier and Friecer Perez, which would have been a huge haul and put both Andujar in LF, Frazier in RF and Davis in CF. And cut a massive amount of Payroll in the process.
No ty so many ways on that
Seems like a moot point now that the Yanks took Happ back. I don’t know this whole off season has been very strange to me. It almost seems like most teams just don’t know what to do. As crazy as it sounds, front offices are filled with more brilliant baseball minds than ever, with the best stats available, ever, and literally 28 teams have pretty much been sitting idle. Once the 1st roles around, I’m declaring a state of emergency in baseball. lol.
True on the comical front office situation. long for the days of seeing the likes of Omar Minaya, jim hendry and let’s not forget Neal Huntington calling shots and bumbling around with various deals, then making horrid FA signs which rarely worked out.
Oh the days…
Why does everyone think the Indians want Frazier back?
Beats me
They clearly don’t and it’s been reported as such. Frazier is sadly damaged goods. That concussion has really derailed him
Because the Yankees don’t want him any more.
2 big time hitter I truly think Frazier 260-70 with 30 Homer power and Andy is special those double turn to homers as he mature
Bring back Cory Snyder
I heard Joe Charboneau is available
I bet Lofton can still hit.
Unless it’s an overpay by the other club hold onto the starters, the depth of starters can answer the bullpen questions. A platoon in right and Martin in center leaves only left really in question… I like the idea of Gonzalez and want no part of gallo’s strike outs. Start the season and see what is available at the trade deadline….no rush, no need to make a bad decision now for headlines or band wagon jumpers.
I wonder what it would take for pillar, move Martin to left…I would be more than happy to start the season with that.
Don’t understand why they didn’t trade for Domingo Santana
I agree, given what they got for Santana it was would of been worth the deal. I’m guessing just didn’t circle back because the ridiculous ask price last year.
Yeah the Mariners basically got him for free, and maybe he’ll never be the same guy he was in 2017 but the upside is high enough that he would have been worth going after
Strikeouts.
Strikeouts? From my vantage point the last thing the Indians need to be concerned about is a slightly flawed player. They claim they don’t have the money to sign anyone to a legitimate deal and they aren’t acquiring anyone without giving up Kluber or Bauer or top prospects. Pretty safe to say Santana could’ve potentially filled a hole at a pretty cheap cost.
Domingo Santana isn’ very good. That’s why.
Wrong. Santana is a sleeping giant.
Domingo Santana put up a 3.3 fWAR season in 2017. I’d say that is his ceiling but which current Cleveland Indians outfielder has ever put up a season close to that? Santana is not a great defender and K’s a bit more than you’d like but he’d unquestionably have been their best option in a corner if he were on the roster today.
He was cheap enough…
Come on A.J. go get us Bauer!
The single best way for the Indians to improve their dismal outfield picture would be to pull the trigger on a deal involving Cory Kluber or Trevor Bauer to the Dodgers with Alex Verdugo as the return centerpiece or with the Astros for Kyle Tucker as the same. They should have an opportunity with either team because only one of them can land All-Star J.T. Realmuto in a trade with Miami to address their need for an impacting starting catcher using those same MLB ready elite prospects.
La also has a lot of pitchers who start and pitch our of bull pen. Stewart ,Stripling at ML level. Have several at AAA for depth and several that throw like 99.
I think Houston said no to trade for Tucker in trade with Marlins and Indians,Untouchable
They believe in him so much they went out and got Brantley. The only 2 prospects in baseball that are untouchable for a top 5 pitcher are vlad jr and tatis jr…..or you just not shopping for one. If you label guys untouchable then use them instead of who you are trying to get.
There are probably more prospects than those two. I doubt the White Sox would trade OF Eloy Jimenez as well.
I also believe that RHP Forrest Whitley was the “untouchable” prospect in any trade discussions with the Marlins for J.T. Realmuto, not OF Kyle Tucker.
How about the reds flipping Matt Kemp to Cleveland for Jason kipnis. Salaries are close one less outfielder in reds excess. Kipnis could play several back up roles for the reds
Kemp is bad defense outfield , would be good DH but that wouldn’t help.
They’re both bad contracts, so I think in that case the Indians would rather just stick with who they’re familiar with
……and also value in the clubhouse.
The Indians should be able to win the division with a mediocre outfield. And outfielders that have upside are easy to get. Look how cheap Domingo Santana was. They can probably get Dylan Cozens from the Phillies for next to nothing. Guys like him are no sure things but the Indians don’t need a lot from their outfield.
Cozens is the same type of backup who does one or two things well that the Indians already have a million of. They need a legitimate starter.
He has more upside than Naquin or Allen but is still an unknown. They might need to give up Kluber to get a legitimate starter. They can probably get by with what you can get for something less.
Cozens doesn’t have more upside than either of those guys. And yeah, if they want a Verdugo or Senzel then they’ll have to trade Kluber/Bauer to do it, but Cozens really shouldn’t cost anything, which is fine since he won’t move the needle.
Greg Allen was sent back down (a typical move considering his age and experience) to the minors with a mandate.. play your game.. Instead of pouting and going into a tailspin.. Allen went back down and earned a promotion three weeks later.. From that point forward in the season, Allen hit .310 with an OPS of .767 while playing gold glove/fielding bible level defense the rest of the way ( SSS ).. This guy isn’t a fourth OF’er.. He’ll be a starter, perhaps as soon as opening day if Leonys Martin isn’t ready to go.. Allen’s best position will be as a CF’er..but has the arm to play either corner spot.. The upside is clear. He has the stick, wheels and maturity to be a good ML OF’er..
I’ve said it before, he reminds me of a young Kenny lofton.
Nice to see I’m not alone in liking Greg Allen.
If you like Greg Allen youd love billy Hamilton.
Earlier this offseason the Indians and Mets talked about a trade for Kluber led by either Conforto or Nimmo. I think that could be good for both sides
CLE should be able to get Jay Bruce from SEA reasonably cheaply…
Instead of Jay Bruce, the Indians could aim a little higher for the identical contract of same-aged lefthand-hitting corner outfielder Josh Reddick of Houston.
Although Cleveland might be reluctant to trade to another American League contender.
Why would josh reddick be available? The Astros don’t have a complete outfield without him. Nor do I think they can move him without eating cash. Neither of which is preferable unless they think he’s not going to bounce back.
The Astros recently signed Michael Brantley to the other seven outfielders on their 40 man roster. All seven of the other outfielders at least received a few at bats with Houston. I am sure that Reddick is available.
That’s painting with a broad stroke. Of those 7 Fisher was terrible last season and has never produced at the ML level. Kemp and Marisnick have established themselves as fourth outfielders and both Straw and Tucker have seen almost no MLB action. I wouldn’t think they’re looking to move a starting outfielder. Marisnick or Kemp, yeah I could believe that. Maybe even Tucker or Straw in the right deal but I can’t imagine they find a trade partner for Reddick that makes sense to them. He’s owed 26 Mil the next 2 years.
I picked Kakes in the prediction contest and still think he makes a lot of sense for the tribe. I also think they trade for a young guy.
Padres have a glut of OFs- Margot Myers Renfroe Reyes Jankowski Cordero.
Renfroe and cordero would be good pieces for the Indians to acquire in a package.
Idk how attached cleveland is to Nolan Jones Ethan Hankins Noah Naylor but padres sending 1 or 2 OFs and taking back Kipnis as a means to buy better prospects makes sense for both sides.
The Indians aren’t trading their top offensive prospect or either of their two highest draft picks from this year to get two fourth outfielders. Not even if it means getting rid of Kipnis.
Renfroe and Cordero would immediately become Cleveland’s best two outfielders. I would take it easy on calling them fourth outfielders. Noah Naylor is 18 years old, if Cleveland is afraid to deal him away for two cheap outfielders that will help their contending ball club then you have bigger problems
I believe Michael was referring to Nolan Jones as you listed three of our top 4 prospects in your proposal not just Noah Naylor. I think he is also saying that the Indians can do better than Renfroe and Cordero for 3 of our top 4 prospects. I agree with Michael.
From the way it sounds he says “I’m not sending either of our top picks for this year to get two fourth outfielders.” Hey, that’s fine but Cleveland is in a pickle. If you won’t pay the money to sign the guys you need you’ll have to trade for them. Getting a couple cheap quality OFers via trade isn’t going to be free. Hankins and Naylor are 18. They have a long way to go. Your contention window probably doesn’t. It’s either that or you have to deal Bauer or Kluber to get it done. But this scenario doesn’t hurt your major league team.
Jbig, The offer above was the Hankins, Naylor, and Nolan Jones for the two outfielders not just the first round picks. Jones is a top 100 prospect and Hankins and Naylor are listed 3 and 4 on Cleveland’s top prospects list for MLB.com. A small market team like the Indians have to trade carefully their prospects as they can not spend like the Yankees and Dodgers. It is December 26th. Cleveland has time to decide what options they have. They can use the money saved in their previous trades to get a Nick Markakis or Avisail Garcia that are not that much different from Renfroe or Cordero.
No the offer was actually for some prospects with names like Jones Naylor Hawkins being a headliner. Aside from McKenzie whos untoucahble the Indians dont have a lot of prospect capital outside Hawkins Jones Naylor.
Correct. I understood what you wrote and I think Chaney did too from his response. It was pretty clear to me
Avisail Garcia and Nick Markakis cost more and have less upside. Honestly Garcia is worse regardless. And kakis isn’t much better and his production is only going south. The Indians can make those moves but I’ll bet you’ll be looking for an OF or two in July If that’s the route you go. Cordero and Renfroe are both young and could break out for you. I’m not an Indians or Padres fan by any means but you can’t fall in love with all your prospects. Especially when they’re 18 and 5 years off. You won’t be good forever and you certainly have a shot now. Your rotation will never have 3-4 top arms like it does now.
A trade for Gallo and Deshields from Texas would certainly help Cleveland’s outfield situation: Delino and Leonys can platoon in CF, or one can play a corner if they both play well(would be GG candidates in LF and RF, respectively). Gallo can play either corner well also, giving Cleveland a chance to sign/trade for a decent budget sign/buy low OF no matter the defensive ability…
Kluber to Milwaukee for Freddie Peralta, Corey Ray, Keon Broxton and Marcin Duban.
Wow, just wow.
Only if they send hader back for Greg Allen, Adam Cimber, and Tyler naquin. Deal?
Bradley Zimmer should be ready by now. Naquin would be another outfield option. Martin in center and Allen as a fourth OFer… they should be fine. In that division, they don’t need much.
The luster on Zimmer and Naquin has dimmed a lot in the eyes of the Indians brass…
I don’t think Zimmer will be ready to come back until around May or June, but even when he does he’ll be a question mark. He’s looked terrible at the plate since the second half of 2017.
I’m a fan of Martin in center for his defense and I think Allen can at least be a good 4th outfielder, but it’s not just about winning the division. It’s about actually doing something in the playoffs, and their current outfield group won’t cut it.
I am not ready to give up on Bradley Zimmer. With that said, I think we can’t count on him for at least the first half of the year.. I agree with you, Michael, that we can not enter the playoffs with our current outfield. Thankfully, the playoffs aren’t held at the end of December. Let’s let the Cleveland front office finish their off season work. By the way, I like Greg Allen as more than a fourth outfielder. I think that he is young enough to get better.
Zimmer had shoulder surgery in August, with prognosis of 8-12 months before beginning ANY baseball work. Given he was back at AAA at time of injury, and will not be rehabbing before April, I wouldn’t count on seeing him in Cleveland this season at all.
Would JBJ and other Red Sox assets interest Cleveland for one of their pitchers.
Nope, a couple prospects for jbj…..Bradley and a mid level or 2. Jbj has lost his luster, mainly because some others outshine him there. I would love a to deal some prospects not named McKenzie or Jones for him
For Kluber the Dodgers give up Pedersen, Tolles, Stripling and one of the tw prospects from the Reds deal
Done! Haha
Dodgers will have to do better than that to get Kluber or Bauer. Cleveland should expect more than average & bench players.
That’s nowhere close to getting it done. Spare parts don’t get Kluber, even though they are pretty good comp pieces. Don’t make Dodger fans look bad please. The package starts with Verdugo. The only reason to trade Kluber is to extend their window in which arb guys and platoon guys don’t do. The Indians already have Naquin, so Pederson getting expensive and short on control makes zero sense. They may have interest in Toles, but as a throw in. Verdugo sort of doesn’t make all that much sense in the NL West, with huge ballparks being a tweener. Not a tremendous athlete and is more so a corner guy that lacks pop. If the Dodger are going to upgrade it will be Verdugo.
Triston McKenzie, Ethan Hankins, Nolan Jones to Seattle for Mitch Haniger.
No on McKenzie, he is the future. Haniger with that much control gets a bigger haul than that any way.
Scott, are you high? No way Tribe does that trade.
It’s hard for me to understand why they were so uninterested in Brantley. He was really their best fit. Should’ve just QO’d him.
Because they couldn’t afford to QO him and have him pull up lame with yet another injury. They rolled the dice last year and it worked out, no guarantees it would again.
I understand that’s what they’ve said, but I think its really shortsighted. Brantley on a short deal fits their needs and contention window perfectly.
Since I know their front office isn’t dumb, I can only conclude that this is the worst kind of penny pinching on the part of ownership.
I guess as a Twins fan I should be happy, but it’s hard to watch another small market team with an almost ideal cost controlled core just cheap out like this.
The Indians have one last bite at the apple and since Boston has taken a step back in regards to their bullpen and the Yankees refuse to add anyone under 32 to their SP staff, it’s imperative the Indians go all in one last time before their rebuild will be necessary. Trade Kluber to the Dodgers and get as many “ready for MLB” prospects as you can get. This is coming from a Detroit Tigers loyalist and a baseball purist. The Indians could make a trade for Castellanos who would mash big time in that park but I am not sure the Tigers want to face Nick 19 times next year. He would be a cheaper acquisition than trading Kluber and is more proven than any guy LAD has to offer but LAD gives the Indians at least 3 prospects 1 of which is ready to start in the outfield. Indians have enough pitching but they clearly do not have enough hitting right now. Make that trade to LAD before they trade those prospects to the Marlins for Realmuto.
Good point, and I know they love Castellanos, but it’s tough swinging that sort of deal in the division.
Dkaner- great post. Unfortunately the Dolan ownership blows and won’t spend money.
How about a deal for Mets Lagares? maybe something like Kipnis for lagares and d’arnaud and maybe some cash involved from one team or the other to even out. this will open up the mets roster a little and maybe free up enough cash to get maybe adam jones / pollock.
The indians will take the risk on lagares and d’arnold but they have a lot of upside if they stay healthy without a major long term commitment. Kipnis could be the third baseman or maybe give him a shot at first or spelling in the of as needed and frazier moving around as needed as well. This will help cover for the inevitable injuries the mets will have. A bit off the wall but not a major shake up causing other major holes either i dont think.
We don’t need another center fielder. We need corner outfielders.
Kip has a wet noodle for an arm, he can’t play third.
The Tribe are going to continue asking too much for their starters and let them leave in a few years, getting nothing for them. All the while fielding a bare bones hitting lineup. after Lindor and Ramirez.
First off, we don’t know what they are asking. We just know the ridiculous fan posting proposals. Secondly, why should they trade for less than they want when the players are so valuable? Lastly, they can stay in contention and fill holes at the deadline without giving up starters. Why would they give up their starrers for less than what they value them at?
Well, we do know that what they’re asking hasn’t been met, since, obviously no trade has been made yet. So we can extrapolate that it’s too much. And the fans get at least some of their speculation from stories we’ve heard in the press, so it’s not entirely unsubstantiated.
The Tribe are known to be looking for a mix of prospects and already-major league proven talent. Take Cincinnati, for example. The Reds can offer a highly rated prospect in Trammell, plus proven ML talent in Gennett, Schebler, Barnhart. Even Puig. Yet, even that isn’t enough, it would seem.
And sure, you can stay in contention for the lowly Central But unless the Tribe are satisfied with getting obliterated in the Wild Card round, then they’ll need more balance other than good pitching./weak hitting. And if they’re not going to make trades now, I wouldn’t have any confidence at all that they’d make big moves at the deadline, if I were a Tribe fan.
Just because they haven’t made a deal doesn’t mean they are asking to much. Maybe they don’t want to deal a starter. Maybe they plan on using the depth of starters to fill holes in the pen. And if they value their players more than the other team then the players should stay put. Keeping a top 5 pitcher in the game isn’t a bad thing…nor is it over valuing them not to settle, especially when more teams keep entering the auction….get what you want or keep what you have, either way you win if you don’t settle
Gennett and Puig only have one year of control. You don’t trade 3 years of Kluber for a package where half or more would be gone in a year. How does that help Cleveland? Please look into all aspects of a trade offer. Also, does the season start in December? They have 2 months oe more to decide how to fix the outfield. People are too impatient.
Reddick, Marisnick, and prospects not named Tucker or Whitley for Kluber.
Drugs are bad for you.
I wouldn’t even trade a Kluber jersey for that offer. It’s gonna take Tucker or Whitley to even get the Indians to return your call.
I just don’t understand how delusional these proposals get. I mean are these kids making all these ridiculous trade proposals?
I probably come off as angry too often in these comment sections, but some of the stupidity I see is just impossible to handle.
I agree 1000%. It’s not just the ridiculous trades, but then try to justify it by insulting the players. So then why are you trying to get your team to trade for him?
calhoun and some prospects for indians starting pitcher?
Maybe Salazar or Anderson, No other starters for the tribe even start that low
Marwin??
It is hilarious with all these fanbases trying to make trade offers for Kluber and pawn off their junk and not include their top prospects in the proposed deals… yeah we will just give you an ace under control for cheap for 3 years!!!!
Not sure I’d trade 6 to 10 years of Verdugo for 2 years of Kluber.
Id do joc pederson instead of verdugo
Yea, two years of an average outfielder for three years of a Cy Young winner. That really makes sense. I wish people would look at the whole picture on a player including salary and years of control before making a proposal. Trading for Kluber will hurt. You have to give up something valuable to get something of value.
How do you come to the conclusion of 6-10 years? That’d involve an extension or signing him back in FA. It could be 3-7 years of Kluber by that same logic. Verdugo isn’t going to be a star either. For a team like LA I’d have no issues giving him up for Kluber. It’s
Going to cost a lot more than that.
Seems you haven’t seen Verdugo swing a bat. Treat yourself.
anyone mention Luplow? He shows some promise. Didn’t really get a chance in Pittsburgh.
I’m excited to see how he performs in spring training.
Him and naquin are our right field, with Martin center and Allen in left until we find a reasonable upgrade and we keep all 3 top 10 pitchers in al on our team. I can live with that. Possibly add Kevin pillar or someone later, if Kipnis is considered an left fielder, go LeMahieu for second or Moustakas for third…..or both, Ramirez did play left when first came up well. There are so many options other than giving a 2 time cy young winner with a team friendly contract up for these ridiculous proposals.
How about this one? Miguel Andjular, Clint Frazier, and Frecier Perez to Indians for Kluber and and Indians kick in a few million bucks per year for luxury tax purposes.
Dream on.
Why you say that?
That proposal is no where near enough. See BobTillman’s below post.
Most are forgetting that Kluber’s contract is REALLY only 1 year/17M; the next 2 years are team options at about the same. As such, it’s by far the most team-friendly contract in MLB. Kluber is also a top 5 pitcher. Add those two together, and you get a HUGE return for Corey Kluber.
If he does well (no real reason to think he won’t), in 2020 you get a star starter for relative peanuts. If his arm falls off next year, you bid him a fond adieu; no harm, no foul. That his contract is escapable-from is what makes it so valuable.
So Astro fans, think Whitley AND Tucker, plus…for Dodger fans, Verdugo AND Ruiz AND Dustin May; in the NL West, you’re getting Zack G production for literally less than half the price.
The Rays got a ton for Archer just because of his similarly structured contract; and there’s miles of real estate between Corey Kluber and Chris Archer.
Delusional lol you arent getting 3 top prospects in any organization for a 32 year old not to mention he isnt exactly cheap. 1 top 5 prospect and 1 top 10 and a top 15 would be enough.
Everyone mentions his age like he’s a dinosaur. Are they trying to mentally lower his value so they can get him for free or what?
His repertoire seems more likely to age well, and he’s been a workhorse the last few years but he was a late bloomer so there’s less mileage on his arm than you’d think. He’s also only under contract through until he’s 34 or 35, it’s not like you’re stuck with him until he’s 40.
Kluber to dodgers for joc pederson, will smith 8th rated catching prospect, and mitchell white. Indians get catching depth and piece for the future an every day outfielder with pop and a future reliever/back of the rotation piece.
Imindless, here you are offering again an average outfielder with 2 years of control and no top 100 prospects for a Cy Young pitcher with 3 years of control. Would you trade Kershaw for that package? I wouldn’t and Kluber’s health has been better than Kershaw’s health.
And Kluber’s been doing his thing in a tougher league than Kershaw’s been doing his…..
The only other alternative if the Indians feel that compelled is to attach Kipnis to a deal. Otherwise, unless you’re talking Vlad Jr., no any 2 prospects get Kluber. The Indians are smart folks. They know Verdugo has motivational issue…..Ruiz is likely not a catcher…..White? Ya scouts love him; be nice if he could put up some numbers to justify the love…..
Too many warts for the Dodger guys…..Tucker looks a bit “meh”, Whitley is a druggie…..and people think you get Kluber for those guys….BTW, next year Verdugo is 23, 24 the year after…..by then, he’s already yesterday’s news…..
Tucker looks “meh” and Whitley is a “drugggie” Excellent insight, Bobbo. What does a good prospect look like to you? Just Vlad Jr? All the rest are “meh”? If Houston put tucker and whittley both on the table Kluber would would be an Astro faster than you could write some more nonsense.
Indians get: Ray, Broxton, Woodruff, Grisham
Brewers get: Kluber, Kipnis
tweeter02 – Ray is interesting, but he fell out of MLB’s top 100 prospects and only hit .239 this past season in the minors. Broxton is an out of options failed prospect that at 28 he is what he is, Grisham also on hit in the .230’s this past season. Ray, Woodruff, need more pieces of value to get close to Kluber.
Hiura and Burnes or Woodruff would have to go if you’re getting Kluber. I could see it taking all 3 of them. Even at that, you have other teams who can offer more. As for the above comment Broxton isn’t a failed prospect. He was never much of a prospect at all. He’s probably been better than could’ve been expected. But your point remains the same.
Indians receive: Antonio Senzatela, Raimel Tapia, Sam Hilliard, Mitchel Kilkenny
Rockies receive: Corey Kluber
Ski to Coors – Tapia hasn’t proved that he can hit in the majors. Senzatela’s era so far in his big league career is well over 4. That number does not transfer well to the American League. Prospects listed don’t move the needle enough to get close to Kluber.
It is amazing to me how so many fan proposals on this site are not willing to give up top prospects to get one of the best pitchers in the game that you would control for 3 years.
To summarize, Indians are aiming to cut payroll per ownership but potentially sign a top free agent or trade for an established corner outfielder?
Unless Kipnis, or even Santana, is attached I can’t see it and expect a short term signing of a tier 2 FA to be the play to shore up the outfield. Garcia or Jones might fit the bill.
What if the Reds were willing to part with Winker. Add him to Gennett and Barnhart for Kluber and Kipnis.
Cleveland does not need to package Kipnis im a Kluber trade. Also It has been stated many times that Gennett has only one year of control so he would not be of interest to Cleveland. The Indians have Jose Ramirez that can play second base so they don’t need Gennett. So would you trade Kluber for Winker and Barnhart. I would not.
Okay, I’m going to get in to this…
There is not *one* knucklehead that you mention in this article that I want on my Indians. The only FA outfielder I want isn’t even on your list!