2:10pm: Both teams have announced the deal, which is now official. The Indians have designated infielder Mike Freeman for assignment in order to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.
11:07 am: The Rangers have acquired right-hander Corey Kluber from the Indians, reports Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic (via Twitter). The deal is agreed to, pending physicals of the players involved, per Jon Heyman of MLB Network (via Twitter). In return, Indians will receive right-handed reliever Emmanuel Clase and outfielder Delino DeShields, Jr. (Twitter links via Rosenthal and Levi Weaver of The Athletic). Texas will assume the entirety of Kluber’s $17.5MM obligation, according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News (via Twitter), though the Rangers will also receive $500K in cash considerations to cover half of the $1MM assignment bonus owed to Kluber.
A fractured forearm and an oblique strain combined to limit Kluber to just seven underwhelming starts in 2019, but he was one of the sport’s true aces over the preceding half-decade. From 2014-18, Kluber averaged over 200 innings per season with a 2.85 ERA and a nearly-identical 2.84 FIP. Among qualified starters, only Clayton Kershaw, Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer bested that ERA, while only Chris Sale, Kershaw and Scherzer topped Kluber’s combination of strikeouts (28.5%) and walks (5.2%). Kluber was twice rewarded for his dominance with the AL Cy Young Award in 2014 and 2017.
Of course, it’s anyone’s guess whether the 33-year-old Kluber will recapture that level of dominance. Kluber’s initial injury was certainly fluky, as he was struck by a 102 MPH line drive off the bat of Miami’s Brian Anderson. Prior to the injury, though, he hadn’t quite resembled his previous self. Kluber’s strikeout rate was down to just 22.6% in 2019, while his walk rate spiked to 8.9%. His fastball velocity, per Brooks Baseball, sat at a career-low 92.43 MPH, although pitchers tend to pick up velocity as they distance themselves from spring training, a luxury Kluber was never afforded. Kluber’s velocity has trended down consistently in recent years, though, and he now sits about two ticks slower than he did at his 2014 peak.
Kluber will make $17.5MM next season, and he is under control through 2021 via an $18MM team option (or a $1MM buyout). As Rosenthal notes (via Twitter), Kluber will receive a $1MM assignment bonus once the trade is finalized.
This move continues an offseason trend for the Rangers, who have strengthened their starting rotation considerably. Kluber joins Kyle Gibson and Jordan Lyles (both of whom were brought in via free agency) to complement the strong duo of Lance Lynn and Mike Minor. Having missed out on their top free agent target, Anthony Rendon, the Rangers were reportedly pivoting to the trade market to address gaps on the roster.
Clase was among a handful of Rangers generating interest league-wide. The 21-year-old made his MLB debut in 2019 and turned in 23.1 innings of 2.31 ERA ball. A fastball-slider reliever, Clase averaged an astounding 99.44 MPH on his heater, topping out at 102.02 MPH. He didn’t generate as many strikeouts in his brief MLB time (22.3%) as one may expect given that velocity, but he did induce ground balls on upwards of 60% of balls in play against him. He’s also thrown a high volume of strikes the past few seasons, culminating in a 6.4% walk rate at the highest level. He comes with six seasons of team control and figures to profile as a long-term bullpen asset for manager Terry Francona.
DeShields, meanwhile, may be the more recognizable name in the return, even if he’s likely the secondary piece from Cleveland’s perspective. The 27-year-old got the lion’s share of playing time in center field for Texas last season, although longstanding offensive woes continued to plague him. Over 408 plate appearances, he slashed just .249/.325/.347 (72 wRC+). That is right in line with his career output at the dish across five seasons in Arlington.
To DeShields’ credit, he has been one of the game’s best baserunners since making his MLB debut. The former Rule V pick has also drastically improved defensively. After getting off to a shaky start in 2016, the speedster has rated as a quality center fielder over the past three seasons. Per Statcast, DeShields has combined to be worth 29 outs above average since the start of 2017. His 12 outs above average last season placed him in the 95th percentile of MLB outfielders.
DeShields comes with two additional seasons of arbitration control. He’s projected for an eminently-affordable $2.4MM this offseason, of no small import to a Cleveland organization that has bandied about its most expensive players in trade. Indeed, today’s deal was certainly motivated by some desire on the Indians’ part to clear money from their books. Cleveland now projects for just under $91MM in 2020 payroll, per Roster Resource.
It will be fascinating to see if this move serves as a precursor to further sell-offs in Cleveland. Francisco Lindor has already been bounced around in trade rumors. He would no doubt be a prize of a rival’s offseason if they were able to pry him away. On the other hand, subtracting Kluber’s salary could alleviate any pressure the Indians feel to move Lindor and his projected $16.7MM arbitration salary. Today’s move to bring in two MLB-ready pieces at least suggests Cleveland hopes to make another run at a winnable AL Central in 2020.
They got their headliner
Wow. Big trade. Another pitcher the Angels needed but won’t be able to get. Too bad he sucks now though.
You can’t take such a small sample size and injury filled year and say he sucks, asinine.
Actually,history shows the trade might work out. It happened around the same time their stadium caught on fire. Anyone remember when the Braves traded for Fred McGriff and their stadium caught on fire? That trade worked out pretty well for Atlanta.
I’m not really sure how an sane person can rip a team for not adding a player and rip another team for signing him.
Bottom like, that guy isn’t sane.
Nice acquisition by Texas
I was ripping both of them for wanting him. O didn’t rip the Angels for not adding him. All I pointed out was that he was another starter unavailable to the Angels when the Angels need starting pitching.
Can’t argue with that sound logic.
Might not be sane, but he’s a stand up guy! Ha!
No intelligence requirements to post on this site…
You don’t need to explain what you were doing, StandUpGuy. We all already know: being a clown.
Being a crybaby
This trade makes me angry with my team, I would’ve been so happy to move a similar package for Kluber
Perhaps the problem for Anaheim was the lack of quality prospects beyond Adell. Without the right chips to send to Cleveland, they could not land Kluber.
And just yesterday you were ripping the Angels for possibly adding Kluber.
You’re the the antithesis of a stand up guy.
The Angels just need starting pitching period. If I ripped on the Angels for trying to get him and I said that he sucks in this comment that’s pretty consistent. The main reason I ripped on the Angels was for going after hitting and passing up all these opportunities to get pitching (like Cole, Strasburg and Wheeler) when pitching is what they really needed.
StandUpGuy- if you have to explain it, it’s not funny.
Passing up on Cole, Strasburg and Wheeler… maybe the other guy was correct and you are indeed insane. The Angels didn’t pass on them, the team was not even on their radar. Cole wanted the max money available , which he got. Strasburg wanted max money, he got that, plus he stayed in a place where he will be worshiped for the next couple of years. Wheeler passed on more money to stay close to the NJ area. The Angels has no shot with any of those three
I think he’s saying they should have given the Rendon $$ to those guys.
Problem is those guys didn’t want the money from the Angels. The Angels are like the Rangers, no premier pitcher wants to go there and the n they have money to spend and so they do it on bats
I think a lot of teams let wheeler slip through their fingers including the angels but other teams did he was a bargain for any team
StandUpGuy also predicted the Yanks would’t get Cole. Said the owners knew it, the fans knew it, even DOGS knew it. Well, WRONG!. Time to eat crow, StandUpGuy. Eat it!
Kluber has dominated for about 6 years.. he had a bad start to ’19 (he has had similar stretches in the past) and he had a fluke injury. Probably a little early to write him off.
Take the Rangers out of the Price rumors. Angels might be forced to get a big pitcher. MB?
They gave up a crap underperforming CF that they claimed off of waivers and a pitcher they got for a backup catcher. Seems like a brilliant trade to me.
Bumgarner just became a Diamondback. Pitching options are wearing really thing now. Ryu is almost certain to be the next to go.
Ryu, Keuchel, or a trade for David Price: not bad options but they’re not what once was available
He pitched 35 innings last year so how does that prove he sucks?
Then you cry that the Angels should have gotten him?
Well which is it StandUpGuy? Make up your mind. Stand up and take a position as straddling both ends shows you are far from a stand up guy.
Underwhelming return for Kluber. Cleveland is throwing in the towel!
Klase may be the difference maker in this trade for the Indians. Has an electric arm, but it is disturbing he cannot rack up the SO’s for someone who can throw @99 mph…he is a fly ball hurler. DeShields has struggled at the plate for some time now, but there is no mistaking his speed on the base paths . If Kluber can bounce back from his disastrous 2019 campaign GM Daniels may be able to salvage his job in 2020.
It says right in the freakin’ article above that Clase is a groundball pitcher (60%) NOT a fly ball pitcher and that he has incredible control (6.4% walk rate). He doesn’t have to strike out guys much more than one per inning with those kinds of stats to be elite, c’mon.
Coal and Avery. The article says he’s 21. Maybe he just needs a good pitching coach. Mariano was not “Mariano” before he learned the cutter. You can’t teach a pitch how to throw that fast. They might see something in him and if they trade Lindor and rebuild, he could be that key weapon reliever in two or three years.
No return at all, Kluber has lost his value
Klase is a fly ball hurler? Did you bother to read what was written above? Here, let me help…..
“He didn’t generate as many strikeouts in his brief MLB time (22.3%) as one may expect given that velocity, but he did induce ground balls on upwards of 60% of balls in play against him.”
I remember a couple of years ago idiots were saying the same thing about Verlander after a couple of injury issues temporarily hurt his performance. Kluber, if healthy, will once again be a Cy Young contender next year.
Geez, Stand up. You are a bit of an idiot. Nothing pleases you.
How many cy youngs you have?
Angels 3rd best offer again.
Why would they need a pitcher that “sucks”? No logic.
This is very surprising for me. Never saw it coming. I want to know the prospects that Cleveland is getting in this trade. I like that Kluber will be with the Rangers.
Wow peanuts.. great job Cardinals. You guys are a joke.
Red feather, you sound like an intelligent guy.
You sound like a comedian.
RedFeather, what can I tell you? Try to find something important to say. Believe me you need it or watch a movie. If you need attention, then you must find someone else.
Huh?
Yeah, “A gOoD oLd FaShIoNeD mOvIe WiTh a FrIeNd!!1!”
Maybe Cleveland didn’t want to trade with St. Louis
I think Train and Francis didnt get enough hugs from their parents. Seriously, why pile on this comment? I really can’t believe an ACTUAL contender didnt beat this offer either.
Thank you.. considering STL is looking at pitching options and have a surplus of OF they should have at least humored the fans with an offer.
Looks like a fire sale by the Indians.
Can’t say I even came close to thinking it would be the Rangers that got him. Loads of curveballs thrown me this winter
More pitchers will be interested in Texas going forward. No state tax and a done to protect from the heat. Nice perks to prolong a career.
A bit surprised they are the ones getting him.
Lot of money lot of questions. Big upside.
Since the Angels are the only team anyone cares about this offseason, I will say that Bundy is a smarter move than Kluber
Lol. That will never be true.
Drop the crack pipe
Return doesn’t seem to big, Cubs should have got him. But they’re “broke”
Wow
well then that was sudden
What the heck is Cleveland doing?
Texas sneakily has one of the best rotations in baseball
The bigger question is what the heck is Texas doing? They are no where near contending
KC. Who won the World Series last year? A Wild Card team.
So basically Texas is competing with perhaps five or six other teams for two wild card spots.
ANY TEAM THAT IS TRYING IS A CONTENDING TEAM. Why do people keep missing this? If Lynn and Minor pitch like they did last year and Kluber is anything like he was in 2018, they are a contending team.
Provided they can get some offensive threats around Gallo. I don’t think that lineup can get it done as it stands. Need an impact bat, which is why I’m confused that they’re out on Donaldson
Agree
I’m not missing this. They have a very hit or miss offense and in the playoffs with good pitching would be obliterated and if you expect Lynn and minor to be as good this year as last year you’re crazy.
I like plantains
Gibson and Kluber are not going to make up the 20 game gap between the A’s and Rangers…
Any team who makes the playoffs can win. KC won because of a bullpen. The Nationals won because of their starting staff. There are many ways to win in October. The Giants won because of MadBum.
The easiest way is to get hot.
No, but you add the loss of Cole and it;s a lot closer for the Rangers and Angels.
A lot of ifs in that statement.
A’s and Astros*
BTW, the 20 game gap is a myth, they all start 0-0 in late March. The 2019 season is NOT 2020 and doesn’t carry over.
The A’s are replacing their entire pitching staff. I have no idea why so many people think everything will break right for the A’s.
Maybe it will. But their Puk, Manea and Luzardo were all hurt last year and pitched about 50 innings combined.
Bassit and Fiers combined FIP was about 4.5.
And of course you have the PED user who was only good the year he was caught taking PEDs.
Sure, things could go very well again for the A’s. But why people think they are a slam dunk is beyond me.
The Nats were the best team in baseball since late May. Stop writing them off as a “WC team” like they just fiddled around and got lucky.
You might want to be careful mentioning Gallo. As an Indians fan I know we are hurting for a right fielder and that’s exactly what Gallo is. Texas HAD to have a big league need for the Indians for the tribe to give up Kluber.
My point, the nationals in the second half had one of the best offenses along with their incredible rotation, the Rangers have none of that, don’t have a good bullpen, don’t have a good offense and their rotation is an island of misfit toys and an injury prone ace. Ain’t gonna get you fat
Calling the Nats purely a WC team is a little bit of a simplification.
They had I believe the best record in the MLB after Memorial Day and were incredibly top-heavy with their talent; if they had even average players to complete the team (I.e. if they had even an average pen instead of Trevor Rosenthal’s near infinite ERA for them, among other complete anchors they had in their pen blowing game after game particularly early in the season) they wouldn’t have started 19-31 and probably would’ve had one of the best records in the MLB. They managed to get their depth to regress to the mean by mid-season, performed much better, and then avoided using their depth as much as possible in the post season (how many innings weren’t pitched by Scherzer, Stras, Corbin, Hudson, Doolittle, or Sanchez? Maybe 5 across the entire playoffs?)
I think last season’s Nats are very unique in that regard compared to really any team we’ve seen in the past decade. Certainly don’t think the Rangers are there with their top-line talent.
KC new ballpark is more conducive to pitchers than the old one. I’d expect them to be better
its not that simple. if your goal is to be simply a contender each year that’s all you will be. might make a lot of wild cards, but your WS chances are small unless you make a big deadline move. The Nats didnt pay Corbin to be a wild card team last year, they just struggled in the first half.
I’m not writing them off as a Wild Card team, but they were a wild card team. Look at the overall point. Wild Card teams can win the world series even though they are not among the top teams in baseball.
off-season isn’t over. If they bring back Chirinos it will help.
Maybe this move pushes ownership to give Donaldson the years
Well a healthy Gallo will help too.
This move makes not going harder for Rendon all the more confusing.
Since I had Rendon and Turner on my stat league team, I’m well aware of how good the Nationals were. I picked them to be the NL Representative in the World Series.
But my point still stands. All teams are shooting for is to get on the dance floor. That’s contending.
Texas’s bullpen, offense and defense are terrible across the board. Kyle Gibson and Jordan Lyles are NOT good pitchers.
They are NOT a contender by any stretch of the imagination. Kluber represents a bounce back candidate who can bring in more than he took away in a deadline trade to a contender.
A’s have some pretty good bats to keep them competitive. However, you are right that the pitching staff has some question marks. Still a lot left in the offseason that can happen.
Not of they “hit” instead of “miss” coms playoffs
Well sure, if everything goes right for almost any team they are contenders.
@ natsgm
The Rangers just added $18MM to this years payroll. That makes $18MM less that they have to spend. Does this make you less confused?
Astros cant cheat anymore. They will be good but not as good as the last 3 seasons.
More importantly, this is baseball, not basketball. In basketball, you have to be one of the best teams in the playoffs to have any shot at winning a championship. In baseball, while being one of the best teams would obviously help your chances of winning a World Series, merely getting into the playoffs can go a long way. Sometimes getting hot at the right time is all that it takes.
Getting caught didn’t stop the Patriots
He had one time when he was hurt. In 2018 he was a top 20 pitcher. There are no bad words new year deals is an expression for a reason.
Armchair GM knows the future too..
Haha nice on kc38
Cleveland will do alright by this deal. He became a risk and remained an asset for trade return. Smart move.
Kluge, Lynn and Minor doesn’t scream one of the best.
Kluber
Lynn and Minor were 1 and 2 in WAR last season in the AL and now Kluber! That’s great
It doesn’t scream it, but the other two were great last year.
They are.
LMAO
I’d bet $$$ Minor won’t repeat a 7WAR season…but Kluber might.
Dumping Mazara has already made them a better offense. If they add a bat they definitely have a chance at a wild card.
Would Mancini help the Rangers?
Based on what? They are gambling that Lyles, Gibson, and Kluber will solidify the starting rotation. At least it is a step in the right direction.
They just passed the Angels, angels best hope in now 4rh place in the division.
Who knows what the Indians got in return? Eighteen point five million guaranteed for a pitcher who really didn’t pitch last year is a risk.
The Rangers have some vets on their staff who have been good. It’s an interesting staff.
I bet one of pieces is nick solak. They have a lot of young talent below AA…
I would think they got more than Solak. He’s the 104th best prospect in baseball (fan graphs)
I’m sure the Angels were willing to give up Bradon Marsh (74th) and that wasn’t enough.
Yes, I agree. I said one of the pieces back. This also doesn’t stop them from still doing a trade with the Dodgers. Lux would play SS. I’ curious what other pieces they got from the rangers. I hope Odor is not one of them.
@macstruts
Don’t put too much into prospect rankings.
Well, don’t tell that to all those people picking the A’s. When it comes to minor league players, I don’t have all that much to go on. Prospect rankings are about it.
However, I don’t put too much on September numbers. Maybe next September with 28 men rosters they might be more meaningful.
It was a non-displaced forearm fracture, the shoulder and elbow are fine and the bone was healing as good as expected. There is a bit of mystery but he’s probably the same all-star Kluber.
I would have loved the Jays to trade for Kluber depending on the price obviously, but the forearm fracture wouldn’t worry me. Pearson missed an entire year due to a forearm fracture and he absolutely killed it last year upon return.
trading a player coming off an injury shortened season, who was only under control for two more years. And, cleveland has to find room for Civale in the rotation. Trade from strength
Think again you have Gibson.
Gibson is Texas’ No. 4 starter now. No. 5 if Lyles repeats his 2019 results.
This is a damn good rotation.
Could you explain that comment with any facts at all.Last year there best starting era was 3.59 Mike Minor. Next was Lance Lynn 3.67 After that nobody who could be called a good or even mediocre starter so even adding Kluber and hoping he is what he used to be explain how they have one of the best rotations in baseball. I guess its easy to say something when you don’t have to bother with those pesky things called facts
Lance Lynn had the second-most fWAR in baseball last year, so there’s your facts for ya
Throwing 7+ innings a game because your manager doesn’t trust the pen will do that for you.
Idiot..
Maybe Cleveland knows something that we don’t. Can’t imagine Kluber being the same after that last injury, so Cleveland selling “high” now before we actually know if Kluber will return healthy and effective
@ Justsomeguy
If this was selling “high”, Kluber didn’t have much value. One prospect and a replacement level OF is not all that much for a potential Ace.
Shame the rest of their roster is terrible
Oh sad boy strike four is upset that the Rangers have a better rotation and ownership that will invest. Oh no you poor little guy!
Precisely. More importantly they have built their rotation out of Nothing. Not giving up major pieces or lucrative long term deals. A big market club wisely buidling like a small market. Lynn mid price free agent
Gibson same
Getting Kluber for under 20 mil for 2 yrs for a reliever and defensive oriented speedster is great!
And of course minor for nothing.
Lynn is blah but has some potential that can be unlocked in the right spot. Smart team building is fun to me
Dang AL West gonna be lit in 2020!
The Rangers are still not contenders. The Astros are still way ahead, with the A’s still pretty far ahead of the rest of the division. Will be a fun race to 3rd place though.
why u say that the rangers probly got the best rotation and I dont think they are done signing players
The Astros are one garbage can bang away from being irrelevant again.
And that’s why you’re a Cubs fan.
This is such a reach at a trash can joke lol
The Cubs are a billy goat from being irrelevant again
Wow that was lame LMAO
whatever the punishment is, it wolnt have a huge impact on 2020’s team. fans in Houston and otherwise would be in open revolt if the punishment included anything like some are suggesting. (ie playoff ban, automatic losses) bet its just draft picks and fines, maybe a suspension of the GM or a transaction freeze at worse.
I don’t know. Players who went to the plate with patches letting them know what pitch is coming are going to be suspended.
They wont all be suspended at the same time, but they are going to be suspended. At least I hope so.
Lol why even play games? You got it all figured out.
Lol heck yeah
Am I incorrect? Obviously a few major injuries to the Astros and A’s would change that, but as it stands now my comment is spot on.
Yeah man. Which team are you GM for?
As things stand any regression from Verlander or injuries to Springer/correa/Brantley now hurt a whole lot more without cole.
Will the Astros hitters be able to repeat when they don’t know the pitch that is coming?
Respect.
Wow so much for the rangers fans crying foul
Wow, wonder who Texas is sending.
Winn, Huff and a PTBNL
Where are you seeing this?
Lol no chance
Lmao, you’re dreaming
Delino and Clase
Clase and DeShields. Not sure what else if anything.
There has got to be more than this. Deshields and the 30th ranked prospect (albeit his numbers look really good). If this is it, what we’re the Angels trying to give them? Jesus.
Angels let that slip thru their fingers
steelerbravenation, who did they give up? You can’t say anyone slipped through anyone’s fingers unless you know who was given up.
Angels are not involved in this deal, so the Angels did let Kluber slip thru their fingers, assuming that the addition of Kluber would have helped them..
You can’t say anyone slipped through anyone’s fingers until you know what was given up.
You’re a moron. It doesn’t matter who the Rangers give up for Kluber. If the Angels wanted/needed him and didn’t get him, then he slipped thru their fingers.
It had to come down to who was sending the better return to CLE. I never even heard speculation on who the Angels would trade for Kluber.
Not if the ask was too high. For all we know Cleveland wanted Adell and Canning or Adell and 1-2 others…that’s a definite NO.
So everyone you don’t get, regardless of cost, slips through your fingers. I guess Rendon slipped through the Braves fingers. If someone else signs Donaldson, I guess the Braves let Donaldson slip through their fingers. I guess the Rangers are letting Donaldson slip through their fingers.
Who is being a moron?
Absolutely Donaldson would slip thru the Braves fingers if he signs for something the Braves could afford to give him. We are a win now team so we got to make win now moves. I feel like Kluber slipped thru our fingers too.
You mean to tell me the Angels couldn’t put together a better package than that for a SP they absolutely need ???
That was a straight salary dump by the Indians
I respect the opinion.
I feel Wheeler, Lindbloom and Hamels all slipped through the Angels fingers. The last thing the Angels need is to spend 18 million bucks on a pitcher coming off a major arm injury who may not pitch 100 innings.
As an Angel fan, I would have taken that gamble with Kluber. But it wasn’t quite a salary dump. i do not want to take that gamble with Price. I don’t know what Cleveland wanted. But lets say it was Fletcher and Middleton. I would not have made that trade. I would not have made any trade that would have included one of the Angels top three RPs. Robles, Buttrey or Middleton. I would not have made any trade that included Fletcher or Marsh.
Angels could have beaten this without giving up Adell or Canning.
I can say anything I want
The Angels are a win now team and they missed out on Cole. They need starting pitching and imo
He was the best option for them for what is left for them to choose from.
Who are the Angels getting ???
Overpay for MadBum ???
I feel like Atlanta missed out as well would have rather had him than Hamels.
Your opinion is Kluber is best option available. Maybe. I’d rather have MadBum or Ryu and they don’t require giving up players.
Who knows Kluber better than Callaway? Eppler said the cost of Kluber was too high. There is a good chance they’d know. if I don’t know what that cost was, how can I have an opinion about such a trade?
Kluber is 33.7 years old coming off a major injury to his pitching arm. I don’t think he slipped through their fingers.
MadBum & Ryu will cost in years
Kluber is signed for 2 yrs and he has been a dominate pitcher and his injury was not structural
He will be fine by ST
He is fine now
Angels were stupid
Braves too but at least we got Hamels
So go overpay in years for MadBum & or Ryu
Used to that cause that’s the Angels way see Hamilton & Pujols
My bad you just don’t know any better
I think you’re reasonable. I talked about this in another post to you.
The last thing the Angels need is instability. Kluber high upside, high downside.
As much as they need pitching the price was too high for 2 trade of Kluber…
Are you seeing something I’m not? As far as I know, we don’t know what Texas gave up.
Deshields and Clase
We don’t know who Cleveland was asking for since it was D. shields a day player and a prospect Makes me believe it could’ve been Fletcher Goodwin or Callaspo and a prospect anyways Billy Eppler said the price was too high
My goodness, now the rangers have a solid rotation… now get someone for 3rd and a bullpen arm
Please no Huff, please no Huff.
Right! Whenever we have good prospects, they ejther get traded, or are underdeveloped.
Didn’t see that one coming
Oh my
What is the Tribe getting in return?
$18.5 million in Dolan’s – the owner – bank account.
You got that right. Dolan has a bumper sticker on his Mercedes that says, “Winning is OK, but I’d rather be rebuilding tbh ”
Fifth best record in baseball over the last seven years, and the only small market team in the bunch. Record high team payrolls during that time. You have no earthly idea what you’re talking about. But then, your team has likely been tire-tracked by the “cheapskate” Tribe many times in the last decade.
I’m sorry but the Indians are not a small market team. They are #2 in TV viewership behind the Yankees and the TV deals are the number one thing impacting team budgets.
They are number 2 in viewership because no one goes to the games.They won 93 games last season and attendance went down 10%
The Indians are locked into a local TV deal that is commensurate with being the 19th largest TV market in the country,so yes they are a small market team.
The Indians gross revenues are between 260 and 280 million dollars(the first luxury tax threshold is 207 million or 75%of their gross revenue).They are a small market team.
I’m sorry, but this is the most ridiculous comment I’ve read in awhile. Do you honestly believe TV ratings count actual numbers of people?!? Cleveland may be second to NY in watching baseball, but a 25 rating in Cleveland is what, a 100,00o households? In NY it would be in the millions! Cleveland has one one of the smallest markets in baseball–heck, it’s the smallest market with the three major sports–and our attendance revenue and TV contract revenue is very poor as a result. For you to think otherwise makes me speechless. I simply can’t believe anyone would think this. Astounding, really. (Directed to beisbolista above, not TheMaven, who clearly gets it.)
You mean beisbolista doesn’t get it? Shocking!
Guys the Rangers have that the Indians could use:
Josh Jung..
Jose’ LeClerc..
Sammy Huff..
Hans Crouse..
Cole Winn..
Should be one of these guys?
Im guessing none of the above.
Then I guess the trade is a lie
Well, there’s probably more but if it’s just Deshields and Clase then…
I guess it turns out that this trade is a lie.
I’m guessing at least 2 of those names
You’re dreaming
My favorite Blondie track
Lol that was never going to happen. Rangers have spent 3 years building up a farm. They wouldn’t have been involved if it would cost one of those guys
I’d guess at least 1 (maybe 2) of those names and probably 1-2 others not on that list.
As a Twins fan, I approve of this trade.
go away lol :*(
I think most Twins fans have mad respect for the Tribe. I honestly think they have something up their sleeve – they always do. Last year people thought you guys were dead and buried and despite all the injuries along with the Bauer debacle you guys still almost managed to pull it off. Plus you guys have Tito and can actually compete against the Yankees. Yes, they always beat us down but you guys had a winning record head to head against them. I sure don’t see you guys throwing in the towel.
Thanks for your comment. It’s irritating to have others misperceive the Tribe’s moves as cost-cutting rather than what it is: a reallocation of scarce resources. As a low revenue club, we have to be pretty nimble to compete, and open to unconventional approaches to building (and sustaining) winning teams. I appreciate your recognition of that.
I’m very curious to see what the Twins do. I regard them as a sterner challenge over the next 5-7 years than the White Sox. I think their management and development team is more sound than Chicago and I fear Minnesota will be more prudent going forward. The enemy of teams like the Tribe isn’t $$$$–ludicrous free agent signings merely make me laugh–but smarts. If a team is smart AND wisely spends the dollars it has, that will beat us in the long run because we can’t keep up resource-wise.
Twins are exceedingly dangerous and if they stick to their guns and don’t mortgage their future, that future is bright. And yes, eventually they’ll get that playoff monkey off their backs and when they do–like the Nationals did–the sky’s the limit.
@ Avory;
You’re one of the few guys on here that gets it.
1. The Indians saved about $15m after the salaries they took on. They’ll need some money in reserve to add at the trading deadline. Easy to add a rental to plug a hole at half his seasons salary. They’ve been doing that for years now.
2. The Bullpen.
Hand cost them badly last year, blowing games from mid-August until the last few weeks of the season when the Indians were out of it….due in large part to his performance. Along with the Astros and Rays, the Indians are the best in MLB at developing pitchers. They cleared out some roster spots dumping Nick Goody and others. Now they go to work developing James Karinchak and Emmanuel Clase – young, strong arms that can bolster the back of the bullpen this year, and readying for Hand’s departure after the season, if not sooner.
3. If DeShields can hit half decently he can platoon in CF, freeing Oscar Mercado to move to a corner spot – he simply is not good enough to be a CF at this point. Take the pressure off Mercado defensively, let him concentrate on hitting. And Tito will use DeShileds speed at clutch times in games.
4. The Indians Rebuild-On-The-Fly is about complete. They continue to get younger. With Allen and Moss they have 7 young starters going into ST, and now 2 100-mph pitchers going into the bullpen……which doesn’t count the pitchers in the high minors. Young, controllable pitchers are gold in today’s market – if they need it, the Indians can easily get a bat in trade for an arm.
Extremely impressive FO and entire Baseball Ops Dept. One of the best – if not THE best – in MLB.
my best friend is a twins fan. he was very happy last year.
I do agree with you though, I can’t be mad the last few years they’ve really bright in players to try and win and we haven’t done it.
and we pitched really well without kluber last year. I’m not too mad about this… it’s more of the Franky Lindor thing I’m worried about lol
@ Vandals
I nearly always see things the way you do–great comments above–but I really don’t see DeShields even making the club…and if he does, it’s as the 26th man not a starter. He’s not even as good as Greg Allen offensively, and I’m pretty sure Mercado can handle centerfield defensively. Heck, I’d rather have Zimmer in the 26th man role than DeShields. Zim’s an elite base stealer and can at least run into one now and again. I’m convinced the Rangers required us to take Delino just so they could shave $2.5 million off the Kluber salary obligations. I’m sure the Tribe have other corner OF plans rather than simply moving Mercado over for the offensively-challenged Deshields (OPS+ of 72!)
Enthusiastically agree with everything else you said, though!
The Rangers could’ve non tendered Deshields. Don’t be a fool. Cleveland wants him for whatever reason
Twins fans enjoyed that beat down from the Yankees and are looking forward to another one in 2020.
Well done Angels
If the Indians were demanding Jo Adell then, yes, we’ll done Angels.
Yes!!! He doesn’t face the twins nearly as much now!
That’s ok
Wonder how that new park is gonna treat pitchers….
welp… :*( here we go again
Damn, I was convinced Lindor/Kluber we’re going to L.A. in a blockbuster centered around Lux and May. It’s getting pretty testy out here in L.A. the locals are sick of being the bridesmaid
Aww, poor Dodgers fans. Annual WS contenders and temperatures in the 70s year round. Cry me a river.
Blockbuster alert! I reckon JP Martinez could be heading back in return
Was not expecting that at all. If the Rangers improve their bullpen and sign a slugger or two they could be wild card contenders for sure. AL West looking like the NL East of last offseason.
I bet Nick Solak is included.
Giving up Solak only to keep Odor would be the absolute worst ever for Texas.
Solak was the worst Praetor of the Romulan Empire. Bad deals!
Ahhh, Cleveland baseball.
He’s a Texas kid. Makes perfect sense. He’s also due for a bounce back.
I bet the Rangers sign Castellanos next.
Where are the JD haters?
Price to the Angels now.
Exactly what I though. As a Red Sox fan that makes me very happy!
Only if the Red Sox eat the majority David price contract
The battle for third place in the west is going to be fun
Kluber is a great roll of the dice IMO. He is just a few subpar outings and a line drive removed from Cy young level.
And if he doesn’t come back the same you’re not out hundreds of millions $$$
As a White Sox fan, we thank you.
He’s gonna get lit up at Globe Life Field.
Weird, you’ve seen a game played in the new ballpark? I’m curious how you know how pitchers will do in the new ballpark.
If ita anything like the old one that was a hitters paradise. it’s the great american ballpark of the AL
Did not know someone knew how a stadium still under construction is going to play. Impressive.
Rangers have a new ballpark.
Wow, the Rangers are a few position players away from being a contender. The Angels and White Sox are going to have to sign a good pitcher soon and lose their stigma of not being able to sign one.
Kluber when healthy is amazing. But that acquisition is more for a team to put them over the top not a team like the Rangers. They were 78-84 last season this acquisition probably makes them 85-77 atbest and it is going to take 95 wins at least to make the wildcard in the American League.
They will probably get a bat or two. My guess is Castellanos.
woohoo! no more kluber in AL central. royals might win 5 games in 2020 against the indians!
Nice job by Texas. They will definitely can compete with Houston and Oakland now. AL West will be an interesting division.
I’m glad the Angels bowed out. We can’t go after uncertain pitchers. We have plenty of our own questionable health. We should start away from Ryu too. Since we NEED pitching, it has to be Dallas and Madison. At least we know they are 100% healthy.
If they get Dallas and MadBum, they’ve done alright, imo. They just need to get some reliable pitching to start building up their rotation.
You’re glad the Angels bowed out on getting a SP with multiple CY awards for some bubblegum and a hot dog? That makes total sense.
Thats a nice trio of Kluber, Minor, and Lynn. Next stop is K. Bryant
Don’t forget about Gibson.
Rangers dont have any prospects the Cubs would want. They need pitching. As much as the Rangers do. The Rangers pitching prospects are trash.
And even if they were great with a endless ceiling. Do you really think Jon Daniels is going to give up 4 of his best pitching prospects?
That’s not true. Hans Crouse and Cole Winn are legit. Texas won’t give em’ up for two years of Bryant tho
Rangers have two top SP prospects and 3 SP prospects that are already ready for the majors and have already gotten their feet wet. It’s impressive to see how much you comment about Texas despite how little you know about the organization.
You are an idiot.. who knows zero about rangers baseball..
Kluber was one of my favorites, but agree it was time to move on and get something of value in return. Indians are still deep in the rotation. Good luck Kluber in Texas!
Yep. Makes sense for the Tribe; undoubtedly, they’ll get at least one prime prospect, maybe more. And they scout pretty well.
Makes sense for Rangers too. If you haven’t been paying attention, Houston lost their best pitcher, and JV and Zack ain’t exactly spring chickens. As someone mentioned, lots of stuff broke well for A’s last year; no guarantee it happens again. With both those teams, they’re relying on prospect pitchers, iffy in the best of circumstances.
Good deal. At least w/o knowing the return. But I doubt that will change things much.
Think again. What in the world are the Indians doing!?
Kluber has two years of relatively expensive team control left, after a -.0.4 WAR 2019. He’ll be 35 the second year of team control
Indian Fans: We better get a top 100 prospect back!
Rangers Fans: We better not have given up much for Kluber.
Blue Jays Fans: OH! OH! WE’VE HEARD OF HIM!!! WE SHOULD HAVE GIVEN UP EVERYTHING FOR HIM!! OH! OH! BUT SOMETHING SOMETHING. SHAPIRO AND ATKINS! OH! OH!
Sneaky good trade, worth whatever they gave up. That’s huge talent they just picked up – very few aces out there and you just have to have one to be really competitive
I’m losing my mind waiting to find out who we gave up.
Probably Pete O’Brien
Delink and Clase
Delino*
Everyone knows it was his RIGHT arm that was broken, right? So happy Angels passed.
Yeah that’s fine though, no structural damage to his elbow or shoulder, one the bone heals he will be fine
He will be just fine. Rangers got themselves a very nice pickup.
Wow, good job, Rangers! You’ve already surpassed the Angels’ offseason pitching acquisition and taken another prospective pitcher off the board. I think this could turn out very well for them – worth the risk, imo.
His best days are behind him especially in Texas.
Just like Verlander’s days were behind him right? Stop with this nonsense. I’m not even a rangers fan but that’s a great pick up for them. The guy was hurt, watch him get back to form this season.
You don’t even know how the new stadium is going to play yet. They left TBAA and are moving into new digs. It could easily play as a pitcher’s park next year or at least less of a hitter’s paradise than they left.
We got Vikram!
DYNAMITE DROP IN MONTY!!!!
No one can assess this trade until we find out what’s returning…
Deshields jr and Clase
That can’t be it
DDS Jr and a Relief pitcher??? Wth. Fleece
Curious to how the padres couldn’t beat this
I was thinking the same thing.
Yeah, Margot and just about any reliever should be better than that package. Oh well, Padres gonna Padres. Have fun watching Tatis turn into Khalil Greene over the next couple of years.
How is he going to turn into Greene?
Delino and clase heading to Cleveland
man…i like Delino and Clase, dont get me wrong, but the Indians really did just trade for a bunch of spare parts unless theres a big prospect or two in here as well.
If those 2 are the only pieces LOOOOOOOOOL
Deshields plays CF. Mercado moves to LF. My guess is they use some of the $18 million saved to get a bat first OF like Castellanos.
Idk if the Tribe can get Nick for $18M in this market.
Are you kidding me AA shoulda had him. Don’t get me wrong I wasn’t mad bout Hamels but you don’t let Kluber get away with that kinda return.
The worst division in baseball just got worse. AL Central is weak AF.
This
He ain’t what he was…
Good grab, but I’m sure it won’t pan out.
At least not the expectations VS. Outcome.
Hope I’m wrong, this dude is awesome, my gut says he won’t even come close to mirroring his old self. Angel’s Fan BTW. Glad we didnt grab him, the cost in terms of talent going away in a trade like this, would have hurt long term, you guys will prolly feel it later too… good luck
Clase a RP & Desheilds a back up CF is a return that is going to hurt a long time ???
Are you serious Angels should been all over him.
3/4 of MLB shoulda beat this return. Even if Kluber is a number 3 he is better than what most teams got. His injury was not structural.
Unbelievable
You did see what was given up right? Dont think that will be felt at any point
Texas basically got for Kluber for next to nothing. They won’t be missing DeShields or Clase anytime soon. Surprising that the Angels weren’t able to offer better than that.
Saw somewhere that there may be more pieces. Thise 2 seem like next to nothing, injury risk or not.
Wow, that’s what it looks like. I wonder what the Indians were asking for?
Clase is an absolute stud. Throws 100 with ease. He’s going to be dominant in this league for a long time. That being said, I’m shocked Cleveland didn’t get more from Texas.
Thanks for the information. I don’t know much about the Rangers. Some, but not a lot.
For example, I wouldn’t expect fans of the 29 other teams to know much about Keynan Middleton.
I know a little about Middleton. Good looking young pitcher from what I’ve seen. Haven’t seen him much lately though. Injured?
Was this just a salary dump?! They got a mediocre backup OF and a minors reliever??? That can’t be all…
I agree. Clase is a nice piece but DeShields? They didn’t need a CF and he’s nothing special. I don’t get this swap at all. Yeah Klubot got hurt last year, but he’s a beast when healthy and isn’t going to cost you what Cole just signed for. Buy low and sell high, not when his value is low and there’s no real need to dump him.
The Rangers gave up what now?? (Cough) ahh nothing!!!!!!
Noooo. AA I’ve been begging you to make this trade for over a year now. Kluber was the only pitcher that made sense to add to our rotation at this point and would make the difference as a ace we need in the postseason. The correct answer was trade for Kluber and resign Donaldson. Please at least do that now
Telling me the Braves couldn’t or didn’t want to pull off a deal like this? This is a dirt cheap deal for the rangers… I’d gladly off something similar or better for him. What a joke.
The only explanation was there was something unclear on his medicals that devalued you him for a return like this. The fact that the Angels “were out” even before a trade was consumated with another team lends to the theory that there is something truly uncertain about his value moving forward.
Brother, I’m not so sure. It seems like the Angels have been out of everything before anything is done. They’ve missed too many opportunities for this to be about future performance, imo. As I’ve said before, Eppler seems a step behind when any pitching transaction occurs, which leads one to believe the Angels bow out for other reasons, i.e., Rendon and Trout’s salary commitments. But, then again, it’s all circumstantial and I could be wrong.
So basically, Cleveland just dumped his salary for a couple of nobodies
Calling somebody a nobody just because you’re too lazy to examine who we got is your problem. You probably said, “Who’s this nobody we got for Ryan Ludwick?” back in the day.
{look it up, you don’t even remember}
IMO, this will be a steal for the Rangers especially for the return CLE got back..feels like more of a salary dump move for CLE.
Return is much lighter than expected and something the Angels could have beaten, I’d think.
Great deal for both sides, in my opinion. Delino Deshields brings an element of speed to add to their OF mix and Clase could very well be one of the better relievers in the AL next year with the stuff he possesses. Texas missed on an opportunity to add a big bag but they seem to be making up for it with a potentially outstanding rotation.
Without DeShields in CF, I think TEX goes after Starling Marte. Especially since they didn’t weaken their farm system with what they gave to CLE for Kluber.
i think they would rather stick with Danny Santana
Delino DeShields age 26 season: 72 OPS+
The final piece the Indians have been searching for to bring that trophy home.
Tribe was FORCED to take DeShields to shave off $2.5 million of Texas’s salary obligations.
This deal was all about Clase, period. Can’t believe you have a hard time understanding that.
You don’t salary dump a Cy Young award winner for a f*** 4th outfielder and reliever.
I don’t know, not thinking the same way you are about this trade. They have a CF, not as good of defense as deshields, but hits better and run very well. He can’t platoon with luplow… and if Reyes isn’t up to par in right, he is NOT the guys you want out there. He reminds me of another Gregg Allen.
Clase and LeClerc the main pieces going back? Maybe?
Must be more to this trade than those two minor pieces.
it doesn’t matter who Texas gets they just don’t know how to win
Worth the risk for the Rangers, Indian fans should be revolting.
Kluber will get lit up in that launching pad. But it is okay because the Rangers only gave up table scraps for him.
Try and keep up with current events. New stadium next year.
You realize Texas is playing in a new stadium now right? A stadium no one has played in yet. It’s suppose to be friendlier to pitchers without taking too much air out of the ball.
Some are saying Texas is sending more to Cleveland than what has leaked so far. Could be another piece or two coming Cleveland’s way.
It should be or that’s a steal for TX.
it will. no way thats all
Thats all folks!
Bunch of GM’s out there thinking, wtf? I coulda beat that return with one hand tied behind my back. Bet the league knows something about Kluber that the public doesn’t.
Right!? Why weren’t the Yankees, Braves, Astros? and other teams in on this?
Clase will be missed. Bit still a fantastic trade for the Rangers. Happy to see DeShields go. terrible offensive player and now i am guessing one of our best players and biggest surprises last year has a starting possistion.
who would that be?
Gotta say I think the Rangers did great in this trade. Deshields jr and clase? Wow!
Eppler you couldn’t beat that? Ffs man.
Clase is a quality “get”. And the Tribe was pretty much up against what they could afford, payroll wise. Now they can go shopping.
Dolan is going to go shopping for a new jet plane.
John Middleton and Bob Nutting are going with him.
GTFOH
Where were the Padres on this? Just don’t get their game plan.
I really don’t know. An easy comp would be Margot plus Bednar. Most Padre fans would have loved that being the price for 2 years of Kluber.
Preller missed out on this one.
I’m thinking there’s a payroll ceiling now, and he’s reached it.
Dumping Myers would have made it possible.
The Padres Were In On This. Preller Traded Clase to Texas for catcher Brett Nicholas. Thanks AJ!
Tell me. Did you know who Clase was before they traded him for Nicholas?
In fact, did you know Nicholas?
Thanks, dude.
I always knew Clase was going to be a flamethrower. It was common knowledge. I surprised AJ didn’t know.
M-o-n-e-y. Trade includes Rangers paying the entire contract so Indians get salary relief which was the entire point of the trade
Is everyone in the AL Central rebuilding?
Perpetually.
I think all the owners in the AL Central division are inventors of perpetual motion machines.
There has to be more going back to Cleveland than Deshields Jr and Clase. I’m going to have a hearty laugh if it is after so many wanted first borns for Kluber.
Yeah I’m guessing the Indians fan base can’t be happy with this. It’s definitely not the top 1-2 team prospects that were always mentioned as being the price for Kluber.
not even clase, errr close!
Haha x 50. Feels good.
Wth are the Indians doing? I absolutely believe that you can’t value Kluber as if 2019 didn’t happen. But still. A guy with a sub 700 OPS and a relief pitcher? What team couldn’t beat that offer?
Indians got back essentially nothing trade for two-time CYA pitcher. Surprised there wasn’t a better offer to be had.
New news is saying there is another player
Ok I am over the a Braves not getting him & extremely happy the Philly didn’t get him either.
Angels GM is terrible they actually need him
Padres too I would say
Good move for the Tribe. 17.5 for a 33 year old with issues.Let Texas have him.
Kluber’s issues were mostly due to no fault of his own. Like getting a 102MPH ball hit back to him.
He stunk before he got hurt. And wasn’t very good the 2nd half of 2018 either. There’s a reason no one beat that offer.
After June 20, 2018 he had 5 shutout outings of 7 innings or more. He had 6 additional quality starts.
I don’t think you know what “not very good” means.
Owned…
@jints1
No. Stupid move. The Indians gambled thinking Kluber had way too much value to just let him walk so they picked up his $18 mil option. They felt that other teams would think he’s worth his 2020 salary. So they take the risk and then settle for a very underwhelming return. I think they misjudged the situation. Clase might be a solid reliever but cmon. He and Deshields JR is it?
“Good move tribe?” Good move tribe?! Hahaha! “let Texas have him” hahah! like he was a problem??? This 2x cy young winner is getting paid almost half of his worth!
Texas will now trade a SP for a 3B.
No other players involved!? Talk about a steal!
Money for Ozuna Cleveland
Why? They got DeShields… Haha.
Wow Delino DeShields for a Cy Young pitcher, is Fred Claire somehow involved?
Clase is really good. Yeah he’s a reliever, and the return remains ridiculous. But he’s good.
He was a helium guy who started last year in single A.. the rangers likely traded him at his peak value.. and there are rumors the only reason Texas was even willing to trade him is bc he is headcase.. this trade is an A+++ for Texas your just to ignorant to realize it..
*You’re.. clase was just had for a AAAA catcher.. Texas turned a AAAA catcher into a 2 time Cy Young winner in less than 2 years.. magic..
Angels and Padres should both fire their GM’s right now. Pathetic that Texas was the winner with that return.
Eppler is horrible. I though Dipoto was the worst, but Eppler is slowly creeping up as the worst GM.
This is what I was afraid of. They’d flop on Cole, sign another big bat that Arte wanted, and dumpster dive for pitching then delude their fans into thinking they have a contender.
I’m so tired of these BS spewing front offices. Trying to make it sound like every ask is Mackenzie Gore or Jo Adell. Then the trade is made for peanuts. Some of these GM’s need to grow a pair.
It’s all about the money. I assume others weren’t willing to pay the full 17.5m and give up prospects. Cleveland did get a 21 year old with a triple digit arm and those are still highly prized. DeShields seems like a throw in.
A straight salary dump. And the thing that pisses me off the most is that you know the maggot Dolan’s aren’t going to use the money to improve the team. It’s going right into their bank accounts. Absolutely f******** pathetic.
Agree it was a salary dump, but you must realize it’s not money coming back that could be put “right into their banks accounts”, it’s just not money coming out of those accounts.
Lindor is next. Total rebuild
Yeah, “total rebuild” for a team favored to win its division. Where do you people come from?
Ok Dodgers pivot to a package deal for Thor, Lowrie and Familia
Wow. Steal for Texas. On behalf of all Tribe fans, let’s hope the price is a bit higher for Lindor.
Garbage…..
The return is too light. Why not hold on to him and let him recover some value before trading him? The price that Texas paid is less than what you would give up for typical Kluber as a two month rental.. maybe he didn’t want to be in Cleveland anymore and forced his way out, but that doesn’t seem like his personality
Every team in baseball would be after Kluber if that was all it would take to get him
Um…every team in baseball knew he was available. Are you saying they dozed through this auction? C’mon, evidently all Kluber was worth was the next Mariano Rivera, that’s just the way it is.
The next greatest reliever of all time.. lol.. hes throws hard so he must be…he was in single A struggling with his command until 6 months ago.. don’t be surprised if this dude turns into ain’t shi*.. relievers are fickle like that..
Explain how Kluber would “force his way out.”
Don’t skimp on the details.
freeze his foot … call his boss a racial slur … complain his hat didnt fit right … etc etc
I guess you’re right, that’s more of an NFL thing
Haha!! Got em
Not much of a return. I remember when Yankee fans wanted Kline’s, Yankee haters kept saying it would take at least Glyber plus prospects. Turns out it would have taken far less.
I don’t believe some other team that needs pitching couldn’t offer a better package than what Texas gave
Kline? Steve Kline?