Who Should The Cleveland Indians Trade For?

There is less than a week until the 2015 MLB Trade Deadline day is here. The Cleveland Indians likely will not make any trade prior to the deadline, especially involving their starting pitching. However, the question has to be considered, who should the Cleveland Indians trade for?

The majority of Cleveland’s fanbase seems to be favoring the opposite. Maybe it is not that big deal fans may wish for, but a deal should happen (or at least hope the team’s front office will be attempting such a move). There has been rumored talk of many trade options in Cleveland’s organization for many reasons, including some due to bad contracts.

The Indians are not known as a team who trades for elite talent, so any trade that may happen likely will not be that big unfortunately. That could change if the team is able to find a deal where a solid player goes to Cleveland in return for some of the Tribe’s top minor league talent.

For this FoS Talk, members of Factory of Sadness calls the shots as they express their one trade they would like to do if they were running the Tribe.

Joe Russo

Center field has been an issue all season, which is to be expected when you carry one true center fielder and what seems like 10 corner outfielders. The only upgrades out there from teams that will be sellers are Cameron Maybin (Braves) and Carlos Gomez (Brewers).

The similarities between the two are uncanny. Similar build, similar style of play, similar stat lines. They both also are only on the hook for $9 million dollars next season. I’d prefer Gomez for two reasons:

1) He is much better defensively than Maybin. We all know how poor the Tribe’s defense has been, even with Michael Brantley in center.

2) He has more perceived value across the league. He will almost assuredly be looking to increase that $9 million salary after 2016, so the Tribe has the option of at least shopping him around in the winter, if need be, or can see how 2016 starts off knowing that their success would mirror Gomez’s.

Could a package centered on Tyler Naquin, Lonnie Chisenhall (to replace the traded Aramis Ramirez), and Ryan Raburn (expiring contract) do the trick? I’m not sure, but the Tribe would need to keep talking if that package gains traction.

Ric McElroy

I would trade for Carlos Gomez from the Brewers. He fills two needs in that he is a right-handed power bat and can play center field! Both things the Tribe needs. He’s proficient in both areas, offense and defense, he’s not great at either, but better than what here now.

I’d probably give up Chisenhall, Naquin, and a lower minor league pitcher. The Brewers traded Ramirez, so they’ll need a third baseman. Naquin would eventually replace Gomez in center field. Plus teams are always looking for pitching! Also Gomez is under contract for more than this year, which is something the front office here covets!

More from Cleveland Guardians

Kris Grimes

If I could make one realistic trade this season it would be for Carlos Gomez. He’s exactly the kind of player who fills out what the Indians need. He’s right-handed, he’s got power, he plays center field, and he’s controlled through next year. Mark Shapiro and Chris Antonetti would have to be thrilled if the Brewers were willing to deal.

The only problem, is how much do they want? The Indians problems in trade talks last year were surrounded by teams wanting Francisco Lindor. Would they feel satisfied to take Chisenhall or would they demand Giovanny Urshela? Are Naquin, Clint Frazier, or any of our other young outfield prospects enough to get the Brewers to bite?

Well let’s hope the Indians at least try for Gomez, and don’t just become sellers at the trade deadline. I’m okay if they trade away guys like David Murphy and Ryan Raburn, as minor deals for those guys could net the next Yan Gomes. However, the Indians window to realistically win begins next year.

The top minor league prospects like P Cody Anderson, SS Francisco Lindor, and 3B Urshela are here, solidifying a core group of guys like Corey Kluber, Jason Kipnis, and Michael Brantley. The Indians don’t need to blow this thing up. They just need to move on from the Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher bust deals, and make a trade for a player like Gomez. Round out their lefty lineup, get some offense to back up their young phenom pitching staff, and get this thing going not just for 2015, but 2016 and beyond.

Adam Schabel

Gomez is that right-handed bat the Indians have lacked over the past few years and he also gives them a chance to move on from Bourn due to the fact that he plays center field. Gomez is also under contract past this season which is what the Indians are looking for, so he wouldn’t just be a rental. As for who we would give up, I’d say a couple of minor leaguers.

Nick Dudukovich

As crazy as it might sound, the Indians probably shouldn’t make a deal for a center fielder. Acquiring a player such as Gomez would almost certainly require the Tribe to part with one of their young arms, and I’m not ready to do that for a player who will only be in Cleveland for a season and a half.

Nobody in the minors is hitting right now, but I’d favor giving Tyler Holt another look. Remember, Bradley Zimmer is the future in center, and he’s dominating the minors. Lat year’s first-round pick was just promoted to Double-A Akron. Depending on his performance, he could be in the majors at some point next season. If not then, he’ll definitely be here in 2017. He played three seasons at the University of San Francisco, but is only 22.

For next year, maybe Holt holds down the position, or perhaps Naquin finds his groove at Class AAA and gets promoted. There are options in center, and it’s not worth jeopardizing the future over the position’s current state.

I’m just trying to face the realities of the season. This team is what it is. A sub .500 club. But just because they’re not contending this season, doesn’t mean they can’t in 2016.

Ryan Rosko

A trade would be logical for Gomez, as expressed above, but given the team’s struggles in the bullpen I would trade one or two lower level prospects for a veteran arm such as Brad Ziegler. If I could combine one or two minor leaguers with a Bourn or Swisher for someone of decent value (maybe that veteran bullpen arm), that would certainly be my preference.

Next: 2015 MLB Trade Rumors: Cleveland Indians Willing To Deal Veterans

More from Factory of Sadness

Home/Cleveland Guardians