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Cleveland Indians trade talk: 7 players the Tribe should target

By Nick Dudukovich

Apr 9, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Kelvin Herrera (40) pitches during the ninth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Kelvin Herrera (40) pitches during the ninth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 19, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Kevin Pillar (11) catches a fly ball during the second inning against the Cleveland Indians in game five of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Kevin Pillar (11) catches a fly ball during the second inning against the Cleveland Indians in game five of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Kevin Pillar, CF, Toronto Blue Jays

Not too long ago, an ESPN scribe wrote about how Kevin Pillar would be an excellent fit for the Tribe. I disagreed on the premise that this writer would’ve traded Bradley Zimmer for the Toronto Blue Jays center fielder.

If the Indiasn can get Pillar without moving Zimmer, one of their top prospects, then team president Chris Antonetti needs to deal for the 28-year-old.

Pillar’s presence would dramatically improve the Indians’ outfield defense, and Zimmer, who is currently playing well for the Tribe since being promoted, could be moved to right field, which would allow Terry Francona more flexibility in how he uses Lonnie Chisenhall and Brandon Guyer.

The Blue Jays are having a rough year after a trip to the ALCS in 2016, but they’re probably not going to be looking to just give Pillar away. He’s under club control through 2020, but his arbitration eligible this winter.

Considering the stat line he’s putting together, Pillar’s poised for a big raise after the season.

Pillar’s batting .303 with 20 extra-base hits, to go along with a .353 on-base percentage. PIllar’s the fourth best defensive center fielder in the American League, according to Fangraphs.com. He’s +2 in Defensive Runs Saved, and he currently has a 0.6 defensive rating heading into May 25. His 1.4 WAR total is the fourth best mark among center fielders in all of MLB.

There’s a few former Indians executives currently working for the Blue Jays, led by former Indians CEO Mark Shapiro. You better believe the front office knows the Tribe farm system very well and it wouldn’t surprise me if they asked for Francisco Mejia or possibly Greg Allen in a potential deal.

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