Cleveland Indians: Pros, cons of 5 trade proposals for Kluber, Carrasco
2. Cincinnati Reds
The Reds need a bold move of their own to move away from a three-year stretch of losing, and with their lineup actually looking pretty decent, the logical move would be to bring on a starting pitcher.
Corey Kluber would be the anti Homer Bailey in that he’s affordable and really, really good. Cincinnati handcuffed itself a few years back when they were winning division titles while handing out horrific contracts. Bailey got one of those pacts and the Reds have been paying ever since, as the hurler has been injured a lot ever signing his extension.
Castrovince threw out a few names in his column that may intrigue the Indians. Those names are Nick Senzel, Raisel Iglesisas and Jesse Winkler.
The writer contends Senzel, who is one of the top prospects in all of baseball, may be able to front a deal of his own.
Senzel’s hit at every level of the minors since coming out of Tennessee after three years of college. He carries a lifetime .314 minor-league average, in addition to a .903 OPS.
One glaring question mark regarding Senzel is position. Castrovince wrote that hey may need to learn the outfield with the Reds having a good third baseman in Eugenio Suarez.
Senzel’s never played the outfield, as he’s played mostly at third base during this minor-league career, while also spending some time at second.
The Indians need him to play the outfield, so some homework would have to be done on his ability and willingness to make the switch.
Castrovince also threw out the name Jesse Winkler. Through 136 big-league games, the right fielder is batting .299 with an .857 OPS. He was a .298 hitter throughout his minor league career. He was limited to 89 games in 2018 and had to undergo shoulder surgery.
The talent there, but the shoulder is something to worry about. The Indians just went through this with Michael Brantley, a nagging injury that seemed cost him the entire 2016 campaign.
The other name is Raisel Iglesias, a name fans of Tribe trade rumors know well. Iglesias came to the Reds and they tried to start him. They tried him in the bullpen and got superb results.
Should they do it: If you’re trading Kluber, you better get a crown jewel and in this case, that’s Senzel. But that’s the big piece you’d be getting and it’s not clear if he can play the outfield.
Winker’s shoulder bothers me and I’ve got no problem acquiring Iglesias, but the Indians just made a headline trade for a reliever. They need to hit in the postseason, although I’m not sure trading Kluber for one top minor-league prospect would be the prudent move.