Cleveland Indians trade rumors: Cabrera deal not looking likely

SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 27: Asdrubal Cabrera
SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 27: Asdrubal Cabrera /
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In Cleveland Indians trade rumors, a deal for New York Mets infielder and former Tribe shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera doesn’t look likely.

Asdrubal Cabrera‘s name has been consistently floated ever since the news broke of the Tribe’s interest in re-acquiring their former shortstop.

With second basemen Jason Kipnis on the disabled list, adding a versatile infielder who can hit a little, such as Cabrera makes sense.

But with the July 31 MLB trade deadline about 24 hours away, it doesn’t appear Cabrera will be have a Progressive Field homecoming.

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MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported the Indians would still like to add a versatile bat, but there’s just been nothing going on the Cabrera front, via MLB.com.

"“The Indians are looking for a ‘versatile bat’ to add to their lineup and are interested in Mets switching-hitting middle infielder Asdrubal Cabrera, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.Feinsand reports there is ‘nothing deep in the works’ between the Indians and Mets regarding Cabrera, who is batting .266 with nine home runs and 30 RBIs in 78 games for the Mets this season.”"

A Cabrera deal seemed likely, especially after the rumor of the Tribe’s interest in Jay Bruce was leaked. It probably wouldn’t have taken much to get both out of New York.

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Bruce would be an ideal replacement for Lonnie Chisenhall, who like Kipnis, is expected to be on the disabled list until mid August.

While they would be suitable replacements right now, the Indians may view trading for these players as counterproductive.

In case you’ve been living under one of Carlos Carrasco‘s mini-teammates and haven’t noticed, the Indians rode a nine-game winning streak into July 30, and that’s without The JK Kid and Lonnie Baseball.

Chisenhall’s having a career at the plate and Kipnis was finally getting his bat going at the time of his injury. Once them return to action, what becomes of Bruce and Cabrera? Sure, they’d be nice bench players, but having them would really depend on what the Indians would have to give up in return.

As previously noted here, if the Indians make a move, it’s likely going to be for a reliever, and it wouldn’t be a shock if the trade deadline came and went without a move.

While bringing A-Cab back looks unlikely, never rule it out, as all it takes is one phone call to get things rolling again.

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If Cleveland doesn’t stand pat, it doesn’t mean Chris Antonetti and Mike Chernoff couldn’t make a move in August, when players are still eligible to be traded, as long as they pass through waivers first.