The Indians had a 94.6% chance of making the playoffs prior to the season, according to FanGraphs. The Twins looked like an 85-win team, the Indians projected at 97, and the other 60% of the division is rebuilding. The Twins, however, have flipped the script with a 32-16 start through Tuesday’s games. They hold a 6.5 game lead over Cleveland. But a Wild Card spot is a viable option for the Indians as well, and they still hold a 54.3% shot at the postseason.
The Indians have averaged just 3.96 runs per game, 12th in the AL and nestled between non-contenders. After the club designated Carlos Gonzalez for assignment today, Zack Meisel of The Athletic wrote, “The state of the Indians’ lineup suggests a player can be hitting cleanup one day and be unemployed the next.” Indeed, CarGo had started eight of the Indians’ last ten games, typically as the left fielder.
Gonzalez will be replaced internally for the foreseeable future, with 24-year-old rookie Oscar Mercado in line for an extended look. The speedy Mercado, a Cardinals second round draft pick out of high school as a shortstop in 2013, was quietly acquired at last year’s trade deadline. Mercado returned to the edge of the prospect radar after 2017, a season in which he blossomed playing center field every day and had his best offensive year. Even at that point, though, he profiled as an extra outfielder in the Majors. Mercado’s bat wasn’t terribly impressive at Triple-A in 2018, but he tweaked his swing in the offseason, raked in spring training, and hammered the ball in 30 games at Triple-A. He’s interesting enough to merit regular playing time for the next couple of months, and his right-handed bat could be just what the Indians need in left field. The Indians have veteran center fielder Leonys Martin likely to be pushed by former first rounder Bradley Zimmer in the near future, while Jordan Luplow has settled in as the team’s right fielder and has the minor league track record to stick.
We’ll know much more about this arrangement by mid-July, and it’s possible Mercado and/or Luplow won’t continue hitting at the Major League level. While the Indians have some other paths to improving their offense, this post will explore corner outfield trade targets they may consider if internal options struggle.
Current Left Fielders
- Domingo Santana, Mariners (controllable through 2021) – Santana has dropped off after a fast start, and the Mariners look less like a contender. Still, he was a nice find for the club and I don’t think they’ll be eager to move him.
- Alex Gordon, Royals (2019) – Given Gordon’s offensive renaissance, he would be a nifty veteran rental for Cleveland. However, he has 10-and-5 rights and made it clear he doesn’t want to leave Kansas City. Plus, Gordon is earning $20MM this year and would get a $4MM assignment bonus upon a trade.
- Clint Frazier, Yankees (2023) – Frazier, the Indians’ first-round pick in 2013, was a key piece along with Justus Sheffield in Cleveland’s 2016 deadline deal for Andrew Miller. Frazier has filled in admirably for the Yankees this year after their litany of injuries, but the club may not have much playing time for him once Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton return. He could become trade bait for New York, and it would be fascinating if he were to return to the organization that drafted him. Still, the Yankees may be reluctant to help a possible playoff opponent, and they can always send Frazier to Triple-A if they truly cannot find at-bats for him.
- Adam Duvall, Braves (2021) – The Braves acquired Duvall from the Reds last summer and despite tendering him a contract in the offseason, did not put him on the Opening Day roster. Duvall showed the ability to serve as a low on-base, high power left fielder with the Reds from 2016-17, and it wouldn’t take much for the Indians to add him. The 30-year-old has mashed 15 home runs in 188 Triple-A plate appearances so far this year.
- Yasmany Tomas, Diamondbacks (2020) – The Diamondbacks signed Tomas out of Cuba in December 2014 to a six-year, $68.5MM deal. Though he smacked 31 home runs in his sophomore season, the D’Backs were never able to find a good home for him defensively. Tomas hasn’t seen Major League time since 2017, but he’s hit 14 home runs in 178 plate appearances at Triple-A this year. Jake Bauers has served as the Indians’ primary DH of late, but he could slide into left field if the team were to acquire a player like Tomas. The Diamondbacks would have to pick up the vast majority of Tomas’ contract to move him.
Current Right Fielders
- Yasiel Puig, Reds (2019) – Puig would be an excellent rental for the Indians, except for the fact that he hasn’t hit at all this year. He’s also earning $9.7MM. If Puig does return to form as an above average bat over the next few months, I could see him on the Indians’ radar.
- Nicholas Castellanos, Tigers (2019) – Castellanos has been about league average with the bat this year after a superb 130 wRC+ season in 2018. Like Puig, he’s headed for free agency after the season and is earning about $10MM. Castellanos isn’t much of a defender, but assuming the Tigers don’t have any hang-ups about trading a rental within the division, he’s a great fit for Cleveland.
- Adam Eaton, Nationals (2021) – Eaton is less than ideal as a left-handed hitter, but despite his slow start he could be a useful addition for the Indians.
- Mitch Haniger, Mariners (2022) – Haniger would be a major prize for a team like the Indians, and he bats right-handed to boot, but Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto would seek a king’s ransom if he even considers a trade. Seattle won’t be in any rush to move Haniger.
- Trey Mancini, Orioles (2022) – Mancini is one of very few bright spots on the Orioles this year, and trading the 27-year-old might not sit well with some fans, but it could be an avenue for Orioles executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias to bolster his prospect stash. Like Haniger, he’d be an attractive, controllable fit for the Indians.
- Jorge Soler, Royals (2021) – Soler has never managed to play a full season in the Majors, but he’s been healthy and has hit for power this year. I’m guessing the Royals are not eager to deal him currently.
- Tyler O’Neill, Cardinals (2024) – O’Neill is currently playing at Triple-A, though he’s been out since Saturday with an undisclosed injury. The 23-year-old has massive power from the right side and plus defense in the corners, though he’s struck out a ton in his 181 big league plate appearances. The Cardinals have already relegated a starting-caliber player to the bench in Harrison Bader, so O’Neill has an even tougher path to playing time. Longer-term, Marcell Ozuna is slated for free agency after the season and Jose Martinez could land elsewhere, so O’Neill may yet be part of the Cardinals’ future. He’s still a player about which the Indians could inquire.
It’s also worth considering that several teams that are contending now may not be contending in a few months. The Rangers, Diamondbacks, Pirates, Padres, and Athletics have some interesting corner outfield bats that might become considerations for the Indians. I also entertained the possibility of including the Cubs’ Ian Happ on this list, though the 24-year-old has struggled in 42 Triple-A games.
They won’t even consider Alex Gordon because the Royals value him too highly and he’s not accepting a trade to Cleveland anyway.
No real point in even including him honestly.
Yah…,why would he want to go to Cleveland? That’s an AL central rival. And he’d be away from his kids for extra time. There is no guarantee he’d go to another World Series.
Well there is a guarantee that won’t be going to another World Series with the rebuilding Royals.
And that is a perfect summary of why the Royals are such a mess right now…
Calhoun?
They really, really should have QO’d Brantley. If they were too cheap to do that, it’s hard to see them taking on significant salary for a veteran unless ownership has decided to open the pursestrings.
A QO to Brantley would’ve cost 18.5 MM. Any in season acquisition’s cost will be half that or less considering it won’t come until July. They could’ve certainly used Brantley but a RH power bat made more sense than even he did. They definitely should’ve added this offseason because it’s really no surprise to see them have multiple below average performers. Don’t know if not bringing Brantley back was the big mistake. I think making no viable effort to get a good fill in was though.
Enough with the Brantley. Every internet GM with a crystal ball now says he should’ve been kept. Same people would’ve been the first saying why on earth did they resign him and watch him pull up limp with yet another injury. There’s no way a team with a strict budget will leverage that kind of money on an oft injured player. And considering its early enough so he still may show up on the IL.
A QO would have been great. If the Indians want to win it all, then they need to QO Brantley. The division was weak, but they traded away good players to save money and now the Twins will beat them. Cleveland will most likely not make the playoffs now, With Minnesota winning the division and Boston and Tampa in the wild card
Kluber and Clevinger hurt, Linder was hurt Cargo and Hanley bombed out, Ramirez has been horrible and nobody else has hit yet here they are making the playoffs if the season ended today after a homestand sweep at the hands of the As. So again, enough of living your life with the crystal ball and saying would’ve could’ve should’ve….they didn’t, nor should they have rolled those dice at that price.
Well said Hammer!!
Hammer, 18 million is the price the win the division. They signed those 2012 all-stats that were expected to do very little. Brantley for 18 and Adam Jones for 5 looks like a decent outfield. But now they have these bozos out there who cannot hit the save there life.
Adam Jones wanted no part and AGAIN to you and the rest that live their lives in hindsight, had they re-upped Brantley and he got his usual injury you’d be the same people criticizing them for blowing that kind of money on a guy that’s always hurt. They could spend $10 to see like they did last year, but they’re not the team that can see $18 mil sitting on the IL.
Brantley isn’t hurt in Houston, and he’s mashing the ball. If he wanting to stay close the Baltimore, Cleveland is much closer than Arizona. A cheap team can’t win the division when the core matures. And don’t start with the injuries! The Yankees have an All-star team on the IL and are first in the division. There is no excuse besides cheapness to the Indians struggles, so blame the Owner for that.
Trey Mancini seems perfect. The owner is likely to deal him cause he’s entering his arb years and he doesn’t want to pay him. And the Indians would love to have him
I was thinking the same thing after watching him in the recent series against the Orioles. We need a right handed hitter badly and they aren’t going to be in playoff contention any time soon
O’s trade Mancini and they’ll be lucky to draw 3,000 people a night.
So they lose 3,500. They don’t draw much as it is
Not like they can just buy a Championship like the Evil Empire does. I have respect for the Rays and others who know how to build a team. The Yankees…not so much.
Judge, Sanchez , Severino and Didi were all prospects.
kole calhoun!
This team probably could have got Alex Verdugo for one of their pitchers. What a boat to miss
You don’t trade one of your best pitchers if you’re trying to contend.
You aren’t contending with a lineup that has 6 holes
They’re in the playoffs if the season ended today, sounds like contending to me.
Only cause of Boston’s slow start. When they catch up, and they are, Cleveland will be out of the Wild Card.
Ok, their slow start counts but Cleveland’s slow start doesn’t? They tread water until the guys heal and swing a deal to fill a need and they’ll be ok. If Boston is that great they’ll rebound then them Tampa and the Yankees will be beating up on each other and their records will show, so which one(s) will be out of the playoffs?
Boston had the numbers, and this is coming from a Yankee Fan. The Indians are bad and they should be based on Pythagorean record. Romero’s is struggling mightily, and so is the rest of the lineup. Boston has a great lineup, a solid rotation, and a bad bullpen. Cleveland has a bad lineup, a bad bullpen, and a solid rotation after losing Kluber. The Indians are bad and the owner is cheap, trading away stars. You love the offseason that the owner had but it was cheap, you might say they have no money but they make a lot.
And neither is out of the playoffs. One division champ a 2 wild cards. That means none for Cleveland after the twins run away with it
Frazier needs to get out of NY. Can’t help but feel a little bad for him at this point.
“Frazier needs to get out of NY” Why?, If Stanton ever does come back he’s the DH, and Gardner ain’t keeping Frazier out of the lineup. Maybin is showing his real self, and Morales will be gone soon. I don’t know why this writer bothered with that.
I had Calhoun on an initial version of this, but decided to leave him off with the team 3.5 games out of the Wild Card and him being a somewhat well-paid left-handed platoon type guy. But, I can see it.
feel as if you could have just as easily named 12 OF options just off the padres organization alone. i jest, somewhat, but kind of surprised not to see at least a mention of a renfroe or reyes. or are you lumping the padres in the same WC contention boat as a reasoning for leaving them out as well?
Canha and Piscotty if the A’s fall out of the race. But I doubt that happens.
Think Cleveland would have interest in Pillar?
He’s no better than what they currently have. Martin and Zimmer (so far in his career) are the same type of all glove, no bat center fielders, and they need more offense.
I was going ask where Gregory polanco and Corey Dickerson were then I read you reasoning
One of the reasons that they traded Meadows last year is because they had Dickerson.
They have not missed Dickerson this year with Melky and Reynolds.
This is Dickerson’s last contract year so chances are very good he will be shopped once he comes back and shows that he is healthy.I would think that Cleveland would have an interest and the Pirates would deal him if they could get a decent prospect for him.
Polanco is not going anywhere especially since he has shown that he has recovered from his injuries from last year.
the real question is will any of them play for the league minimum? that’s all cleveland will cover
What is Rusney Castillo ?
SMH at all of these. Mercado will end up in CF, Luplow and Naquin in RF, and somebody in LF.
Martin will be traded by the deadline, along with a starting pitcher.
So they won’t be contending?
That’s what I’m saying. I envision a sell off happening. Or, since it’s my Tribe….a bargain sale.
Oh no! Another thread that I will have to read horrible trade offers from San Diego Padre Fans. Please give us a break.
Let me modify my previous comment. Oh no! Another thread where I will have to read horrible trade offers from San Diego Padre and Atlanta Braves fans.
You don’t have to read anything, friend.
And Padre fans can be a little more realistic and look at the needs of both teams. Logic shows that a small market team like Cleveland is not going to take on a bad contract like Wil Myers, but Padre fans still continue to thing that they will.
No Braves fans in here offering up the premium talents of Ender Inciarte for Brad Hand and Nick Wittgren? Maybe the more rational Braves fans killed those Braves fans. I can hope.
That one is in line with Padre fan trades. Absolutely positively no. Inciarte is not worth Wittgren, let alone Wittgren and Hand.
Alex Gordon to Cleveland? Yuck!
Good, then keep him in KC the next 10 years.
Braves would gladly give you Duvall. Seems like a no brainer … we simply have no room in the outfield for him. Or, you could take Ender, although he’s not exactly a corner outfielder and he’s slumping bad. But he’s shown in the past that he’s solid and of course he’s a gold glove. … because of his struggle the braves might be willing to let go pretty easily. Idk. Seems like something could be worked out
Call Toronto, ask for Grichuk and take on the full contract.
What about Schwarber ?
He’d be perfect and could DH as well
Nah, Kyle’s destined to hit a game winning HR in the WS this fall for the Cubs.
You can have Heyward, but that’s probably all the Cubs are interested in moving
On August 9 two years ago the Cleveland Indians traded for corner outfielder Jay Bruce, who reportedly remains on the trade block of the Seattle Mariners.
Bruce posted an OPS+ of 108 in 43 games with the 2017 AL Central champ Indians, but the Mariners would need to pay down the $24 million remaining on Bruce’s contract through the 2020 season.
Hunter Renfroe?
Pirates will trade Lonnie Chisenhall back for a bag of balls and a beer usher.
How many balls in that bag and which usher?
The only ones on the list I would really be interested in are Haniger, O’Neill and Mancini in that order. The question is what would it take to get them? I’m going to guess it would take McKenzie along with at least 1 other top 30 prospect and 1 other prospect the Mariners like to get Haniger. O’Neill would probably be similar with McKenzie and another prospect or two. Mancini would be the easiest to get I would think probably being a top 30 plus wild card or 2. I also wouldn’t say no to Castellanos but only if the asking price was realatively low and I doubt it would be low enough between division rivals.
Honestly this is something that should of been addressed in the off season not 2 months in and 7 games back. The Indians (and fans) are going to be reluctant to trade McKenzie but I think if they can get a good controllable outfielder they will make the move. I’m saying this because I also think that they are going to decide that they are too far out of the division and start looking at 2020 and move Bauer as well before the deadline for near ready prospects. They will hope that with Clevenger and hopefully Kluber coming back they can patch together a good enough team without Bauer to make the wild card and if they don’t they have a better team to try and rebound and take another shot or two before Lindor leaves and the other teams start to compete in 2021 or 2022.
Gordon has a great year in his walk year. Coincidence?
Proof all MLB contracts need to be non-guaranteed!
Yes, actually, using one instance of a player performing well in his walk year is statistically coincidental.
And if something is statistically coincidental, it can’t be proof of anything.
Adding Duvall would just be adding another Jordan Luplow to the roster but with a bit better fielding.
Haniger would be the dream, but that’s not happening, nor can you make the case that one player will complete the lineup. He’s worth whatever he’d return in a trade though.
Castellanos is a really solid hitter, but he’s a poor defender. Putting him at DH would mean Bauers likely moves back to the outfield full-time, and from what I’ve seen of him out there I’m not too thrilled about that idea either. But if it helps them score runs, then fine.
O’Neill would be worth looking into, but he’s not someone I see making a difference this season. Adding him for cheap over the offseason would be something I’d look into though.
Frazier would also be fine, but I doubt the Yankees will move him even when everyone else is healthy. Best case, they find him more at bats; worst case, he gets sent down. But I doubt they’d move him altogether.
I don’t think the Indians trade for an OF. It’s shaping up gradually.
…or they could just sign Matt Holliday for nothing but a couple million bucks.
A million.
didn’t we get hanley and cargo for a million? those worked out great.
Doesn’t matter, that’s the going rate for an out of work veteran. Would you feel better if they paid Cargo and Hanley $2mil each?
I like the play of RF Jordan Luplow and LF Oscar Mercado seems to be the future. Leonys Martin isn’t as bad as his stats are showing but he’s a placeholder until Brad Zimmer returns and a 4th OF thereafter. If CLE gets CF Harrison Bader or OF Tyler O’Neil from STL, its gonna cost them.
Zimmer played in the outfield for the first time Wednesday in extended spring training at the club’s training facility in Goodyear, Ariz. Last weekend, he served as designated hitter in extended spring games.
Francona said Zimmer will remain in Arizona for 5-6 more days and then transition to Columbus.