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

NL East

1. Jacob deGrom, SP, Mets–Jacob deGrom is the only player worth Francisco Mejia and Triston McKenzie on this list. He’s 11-4 with a 3.37 ERA and 144 strikeouts in 125 1/3 innings through July 21. Outfielder Jay Bruce may be a more realistic option, and FanRagSports.com’s says the Tribe front office has been looking at the former Red. A package involving Bruce and former Tribe infielder Asdrubal Cabrera is much more likely.

2. Ryan Madson, RP, Nationals–The Nats are tricky. Everyone at The Corner would like Bryce Harper, Daniel Murphy or Max Scherzer, but it’s not realistic. For the sake of making a realistic trade, imagine the Nationals aren’t in playoff contention, but aren’t necessarily ready to start a fire storm. Ryan Madson just got to the nation’s capitol, so he’s not going anywhere, but if the Nats had to sell a part off, a mid 30s-something reliever would fit the description. Madsen has a 1.91 ERA with 43 strikeouts in 42 1/3 innings this season.

3. Brandon Phillips, 2B, Braves–The Indians are reportedly looking at Asdrubal Cabrera, but why not aim a little higher? The veteran possesses a 1.2 WAR and he’s batting .290 with a .775 OPS. Not bad for a 36-year-old veteran. Phillips does have a limited no trade clause, and it’s not clear whether the Indians are a club he won’t accept a trade to.

4. Jeremy Hellickson, SP, Phillies–Not a splashy name, but the Phillies are trying to rebuild and they’d probably happily trade the right hander for a lower rated prospect. Hellickson is 7-6 with a 4.73 ERA. He could either be used in long relief or added to the back end of the rotation. Hellickson will earn $17 million this season, but one would think the Phillies would pick some of that contract up if it meant getting a prospect. Hellickson can be a free agent at the end of the season.

5. Dan Straily, SP, Marlins–Straily, 28, may not be available because he’s been quite the find for Miami. The right hander is 7-5 with a 3.84 ERA. He’s already pitching for his fifth team since 2012, but he’s under team control through the 2021 season.