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5 ways Cleveland Indians trade for Brad Hand impacts the organization

By Nick Dudukovich

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 17: Brad Hand #52 of the San Diego Padres and the National League pitches in the eighth inning against the American League during the 89th MLB All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard at Nationals Park on July 17, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 17: Brad Hand #52 of the San Diego Padres and the National League pitches in the eighth inning against the American League during the 89th MLB All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard at Nationals Park on July 17, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 21: Adam Jones #10 of the Baltimore Orioles walks back to the dugout after striking out in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 21, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 21: Adam Jones #10 of the Baltimore Orioles walks back to the dugout after striking out in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 21, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

1. More trades

The no-trade of Francisco Mejia for Jonathan Lucroy continues to pay off for the Indians because if Chris Antonetti and Mike Chernoff would’ve succeeded in making the catcher’s swap, the Tribe would’ve have been able to acquire Hand.

The San Diego Padres were looking for their catcher of the future and without Mejia, the Indians might not be in the conversation.

Trading Mejia is definitely a blow to the fans who’ve been hearing about the smooth hitting prospect for years and now that’s he’s on the cusp of the big leagues, he was dealt.

But now he’s gone the Indians can get creative in how they approach deals.

Adam Jones, I’m looking at you.

Jones isn’t having his best year, but you’ve got to wonder what he would like playing for a contender, rather than a squad 25 games below .500 at the All-Star break.

The Indians need a major upgrade in the outfield after a combination of unproductively and injuries have plagued left and center fields.

Jones could step in and play center field while adding a veteran presence in the club house. The Indians might be able to get Jones for a low-level prospect with the Tribe agreeing to take on maybe $7 million of the $9 million remaining on his contract in 2018.

The Dolans have surprised before, most notably, last season by taking on $3 million to add Jay Bruce. Could they do it again?

I don’t think the Indians are done dealing.

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