2017 MLB Trade deadline: One player from each team Cleveland Indians should target

AL Central

1 Jason Vargas–SP, Royals–a left-hander in a walk year? He’d be an awesome rental that shouldn’t cost a player named Francisco Mejia or Triston McKenzie. But Vargas (12-4, 3.06 ERA) won’t be going anywhere. The Indians have twiddled their thumbs enough  to leave KC in contention.

2 Melky Cabrera,, OF, White Sox–The Indians are looking for outfield help. The front office inquired into J.D. Martinez, but lost out to the Tigers. Jay Bruce‘s name has also been tied to the Tribe. Cabrera is batting .293 (.777 OPS) with 13 homers and 56 RBIs. The 13-year veteran is owed $15 million this season, but he can be a free agent at the end of the year.

3. Ervin Santana, SP, Twins–He’s Minesota’s ace. Imagine him as the third starter in the Indians rotation. He’s 11-6 with a 2.99 ERA. Acquiring him seemed possible at the beginning of the season because no one expected the Twins to keep up with the Tribe. But the Indians have underperformed and Minnesota is going for it, evidenced by the acquistion of Jaime Garcia.

4. Alex Avila, C, Tigers–The 30-year-old catcher is making $2 million this season. The Tigers are trying to get younger. Detroit figures to be thrilled to get a prospect for a player who’s going to walk at the end of the year.