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Cleveland Indians Have Limited Options To Trade As A Buyer By Trade Deadline

By Ryan Rosko

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The trade deadline is now less than two weeks away. If the Cleveland Indians decide to be a buyer by the trade deadline, the team will have to be very creative with their options to upgrade the team as they do not have many internal options to use in a deal.

With how the offense has struggled throughout the season, the fact that the Indians are still in playoff contention speaks to how well their pitching has been.

The pitching staff has been carrying this team with a lack of run support all year.

Going into today’s game, Cleveland is sitting 6.5 games back in the wild card with a 42-47 record. There has been much speculation on how the Indians will improve their team, if at all, but the opportunities have presented itself but have yet to agree to a deal.

Cleveland did nearly trade 1B/OF/DH Nick Swisher to the Atlanta Braves back in June, but the teams could not agree to the trade due to money.

Related: Cleveland Indians Trade Rumors: Tribe Tried to Trade Nick Swisher For Chris Johnson

With how the Indians roster is currently constructed, the only players on the big league level that likely would get interest and that the team may be willing to trade is OF David Murphy and 1B/DH Carlos Santana.

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Other options that could be involved in a trade includes 3B Lonnie Chisenhall and SS Jose Ramirez. Of course, there is always the possibility to include other minor leaguers, likely lower level prospects, but that all depending on the team.

Murphy’s offensive performance during the season has been very solid. He has a stat line of .312/.362/.466/.828. He has been one of the few reliable options in the Tribe’s lineup and should be able to keep up his progress the rest of 2015. Santana has been horrible. He has been a much better second half hitter throughout his career, but with as bad as he has been, is that hope even realistic for this season?

The future sure seems very uncertain with Chisenhall and Ramirez now playing in Triple-A Columbus. Other than spot duty, the chance to play regularly in Cleveland may have passed, especially for Chisenhall.

If anyone ends up being dealt, regardless with the team as a buyer or a seller, my best guess is Murphy because he can be part of a trade package for more offensive help, or he could sent for another pitcher and/or offensive player in a similar role as him.

Cleveland has plenty of outfielders in the minor leagues too, which gives another reason to make some sort of move. Understandably the preference is to deal Swisher and/or Michael Bourn, but in any Tribe trade that would occur, it should have a mix of Tribe and minor league players so that they can get back any potential difference makers.

In order to keep this team in contention and eventually solidify a playoff a playoff spot, Cleveland needs to make a trade for a significant player(s) that will help improve their offense. If not, then the hopes of making an impact in the playoffs could go away in an instant.

What trade would you like to see, if any?

Next: Cleveland Indians Trade Rumors: Tribe Pondering Center Field Change

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