Cleveland Indians’ Top 5 Trade Assets
Cleveland Indians: Top 5 Trade Assets
The Cleveland Indians are having a season that no one really expected they would have. They are over .500 and sitting just 2.5 games back of the Detroit Tigers for the division lead. The Indians have had a past of being aggressive in free agency, and that could potentially lead them to be aggressive at the trade deadline.
In order to capture a division title or win the wild card, the Indians are going to need another impact player on their roster. In order to get an impact player, you have to be willing to give up a top prospect or a couple of key role players that can help a team rebuild.
The Indians are great at scoring runs and getting on base in large part due to the success of Jason Kipnis. Kipnis has been their best all-around player and has solidified their lineup that also includes impact players such as Nick Swisher, Carlos Santana and Mark Reynolds to name a few.
Where they have struggled this season is pitching. We all know that pitching wins championships and good pitching will always beat good hitting. A nice starting pitcher or a key bullpen guy can give this team what they need to take the next step.
Regardless of what they want to go, they need to give to get. So here are the top 5 trade assets the Indians will have to offer when they are looking to make a deal.
5. Ryan Raburn
Ryan Raburn is a right handed power hitter who can be a key fourth outfielder or potential DH for any squad. He would be a great guy to have on the bench in key games.
4. Scott Kazmir
Scott Kazmir went from being a young star to a complete bust in a short amount of time. He has finally worked his way back to the major leagues and is doing relatively well. He would be a perfect back-end guy for any quality team and certainly has the stuff to pitch well on any given night.
3. Cody Allen
The 24-year-old right-handed relief pitcher has had a fantastic year so far for the Indians. He has a 2.52 earned run average with 44 strikeouts in just 35.2 innings pitched. Allen has a save on the year and could be the potential closer for a team willing to deal for him.
2. Asdrubal Cabrera
Asdrubal Cabrera has been struggling of late. With one of the top prospects in all of baseball in their farm system at shortstop, why not deal out Cabrera for an impact player and call up the young gun and see what he can do?
1. Francisco Lindor
Francisco Lindor would be on the move if the Indians are willing to be aggressive. He is one of the top prospects in all of baseball at just 19 years of age. He is in line to replace Asdrubal Cabrera next season, but if they can get an impact player at the deadline who can stay around for a couple of years, Lindor might be on the move.
