Cleveland Indians: Pros, cons of 5 trade proposals for Kluber, Carrasco

1. New York Yankees

Castrovince’s proposal ships Corey Kluber to the Evil Empire for Clint Frazier and Justus Sheffield, who were two of the main pieces in the 2016 trade for Andrew Miller.

I had written back around the trade deadline about Frazier, and how the Indians should try to re-acquire him.

It hasn’t worked out all that well for Frazier, who really hasn’t gotten all that much of a chance with New York, although concussion issues have played a part in the right-hander from playing long stretches when he’s on the big-league roster.

Indians minor league followers know Frazier well. He possesses lightning quick bat speed and would immediately fill one of the corner outfield spots.

Sheffield is also exciting because he’s just getting to the point where he’s ready to be a big leaguer for a full season. He was 6-4 with a 2.56 ERA at Triple A.

The Indians often talk about being contending for a division title every season, and don’t take the mindset that they have to within a certain window. This trade allows for that to happen, as Sheffield would join a rotation that would feature Clevinger and Bieber after the 2021 season.

Trading Kluber would be a tough pill to swallow, especially during the postseason, when there’s a great chance the Tribe could run into the Klubot wearing a Yankee uniform.

They say good pitching always beats good hitting, but in the Indians case, the organization may not have a choice other than to part with the crown jewel of their staff in order to last a little longer come October.

Should they do it? Yes. Help now and sustained success are both boxes the Indians can check off by following through with this deal. With a weakened division, the Indians can coast to another division title with Kluber.