Cleveland Indians: 4 trades the Tribe should make this offseason
Jason Kipnis for Steve Pearce, Anthony Alford (prospect), Ryan Borucki (prospect)
The Blue Jays are going to try and compete in a division where big spending clubs such as the Yankees and Red Sox will also be vying for playoff spots.
And if the Blue Jays are going to make a run, they’re going to need to shore up second base.
So Jason Kipnis makes tons of sense for former Tribe executives now running the Jays, Mark Shapiro and Ross Atkins.
Kipnis struggled last season, but he was hurt, and never seemed to get on track. With that said, when healthy, he’s an All-Star level player.
What can the Indians get in return for Kipnis, though? If the Blue Jays are trying to win, they’re not exactly going to be throwing in Josh Donaldson or Marcus Stroman.
Perhaps the Tribe could try and bolster its farm system by dealing Kipnis. If you’re going to go that route, 22-year-old center fielder Anthony Alford would be a good place to start. He’s a former third-round pick of the Jays, and he’s ready to make the jump to the big leagues. He was promoted in May last season, but broke his hamate bone, which forced him to miss two months.
Alford played the majority of his baseball at Class AA last season, where he hit .310 (.845 OPS).
He’s had limited work in the minors in right and left field, and with Bradley Zimmer securing the center field spot, perhaps the Tribe could spend Spring Training converting him into a corner outfielder.
Alford played the majority of his baseball at Class AA last season, where he hit .310 (.845 OPS).
Ryan Borucki is a left handed bullpen prospect who throws in the low 90s. He tops out at 94, but he’s built his prospect status off his ability to confuse hitters with his changeup.
Pearce’s acquisition would purely be about the money. Kips is due around $13 million this season, and Pearce is making just $6 million. He does fulfill a need for the Tribe, because he can handle first base, in addition to some corner outfield spots. Plus, he’s right handed, and the Tribe needs help from that side of the plate.
With the Tribe losing Carlos Santana and Jay Bruce, Pearce would have a place in Cleveland, and if it doesn’t work out, he’s a free agent after the season.