2017 MLB Trade deadline: One player from each team Cleveland Indians should target
NL Central
1. Zack Cozart, SS, Reds–All-Star Zack Cozart is having a career year, and based off recent rumors, the Tribe would like an infielder. He’s not as versatile defensively as Asdrubal Cabrera, but Ken Rosenthal recently listed him as an “outside the box” solution for the Red Sox at third base. Cozart’s never played an inning at second or third in the big leagues, but his bat may be good enough to take a gamble. The 31-year-old soon-to-be free agent was batting .321 with 11 homers through 71 games.
2. Jose Quintana, SP, Cubs–The Tribe checked in on Quintana before the White Sox dealt him to Chicago. Perhaps an in-division trade would’ve cost too much. The defending champs, like the Tribe, have seen their starters fail to live up to expectations and boss Theo Epstein did something about it.
3. Gerrit Cole, SP, Pirates–Cole’s name might’ve been seriously considered in May, but now the Pirates are one of the hottest teams in baseball and they’re probably going to go for October. Cole is 7-7 with a 4.18 ERA. Cole, 26, is arbitration eligible this season. He can’t be a free agent until 2020.
4. Travis Shaw, 3B, Brewers–The slugger who was apart of Kent State’s run through the college World Series would add infield versatility to the Tribe. With Kipnis’ hamstring injury, Shaw could fill in at third and first, allowing Jose Ramirez to cover second. Shaw could also give Terry Francona an option in the lineup should he want to rest the struggling Carlos Santana. Shaw has a 3.2 WAR and he’s batting .295 with 21 homers with 69 RBIs. The Brewers acquired Shaw for Tyler Thornburg. The trade hasnt’ worked out for Boston, as Thornburg has battled injuries. Meanwhile, the Brew Crew is the surprise team of the season and Shaw is one of its brightest stars.
5. Mike Leake, SP, Cardinals–The Indians should want Yadier Molina, but I just can’t imagine a world in which the Cardinals deal their star veteran. Leakie is 6-8, but he has a 3.39 ERA and a 2.0 WAR. He makes A LOT of money, but he’s under contract through 2020. He has a mutal option for 2021. The Cardinals, usually a powerhouse in the NL, have fallen on tough times. By the time they’re ready to win again, Leake could be ready to walk as a free agent. Enter the Tribe. He’s a good, middle of the rotation pitcher who wouldn’t cost Francisco Mejia. Yeah, he’s in the second year of a five year, $80 million contract, but perhaps the Indians need to weigh the cost of getting a good starter while at the same time, keeping their top prospect.