Cleveland Indians: 4 outfielders to target before MLB trade deadline

The Cleveland Indians need outfield help before the MLB trade deadline, and these four names could offer the Tribe some relief.

The outfield is falling apart, and if the Cleveland Indians don’t acquire Manny Machado, their focus will likely shift toward bringing aboard outfield and bullpen help.

Realistically, acquiring Machado is unlikely, considering what the Orioles are asking from the Indians in addition to the fact he can be a free agent at season’s end.

The most consistent piece of the Indians’ outfield has been Michael Brantley, who’s batting .310 (.852 OPS).

There’s a good sect of fans who didn’t want to see Brantley back in a Tribe uniform this season, but the Tribe picked up his $12 million option and it was a smart decision.

There’s always risk with Brantley that he’ll get hurt, but when healthy, there’s no doubting the man produces.

With left field secure as long as Brantley can stay on the field, the Tribe’s got a real conundrum in center and right field.

Currently, Rajai Davis and Brandon Guyer are platooning in right with Lonnie Chisenhall on the DL again with another calf injury.

Tyler Naquin and Davis are the Tribe’s center field options in the present.

Yeesh.

This team’s contending for a World Series title and they’re running two unproductive platoons in the outfield?

Even when healthy, Bradley Zimmer couln’t hit. He was demoted to Class AAA Columbus to work on his swing. He ended up hurting his shoulder and now he’s on the DL. The Indians don’t know when he’ll be back.

Cleveland must make a trade to shore up its outfield. There’s too many moving parts that simply aren’t producing. Here’s five options.