Cleveland Indians: 5 trade deadline proposals Tribe must consider

2. Whitt Merrfield in trade based around Tyler Freeman

It’s going to take a lot to get this All-Star, but considering Whit Merrifield is under contract though 2024, it might be fiscally sound to make an investment  in the second baseman.

Merrifield is in the first year of a four-year, $16 million contract. It’s one of the best “value” contracts in all of baseball considering he’s making $1 million this season while batting .

He’ll make $5 million next season, $6.75 in 2021 and $2.75 million in 2022. He has a team option for 2023 valued at $6 million.

Merrifield has a 2.4 WAR and is batting .306 with a .850 OPS.

The Royals are rebuilding, so Kansas City will certainly be looking for prospects in return.

The Tribe shouldn’t trade a top prospect, such as Triston McKenzie, but dealing No. 3 rated prospect Tyler Freeman, a second-round pick in 2017 should be entertained.

Merrifield makes the Tribe better right now, as he can bat lead-off while allowing Francisco Lindor to drop into the No. 3 spot.

Everyone is probably wondering about Jason Kipnis. He’s been better the past couple of weeks, but Merrifield is a clear upgrade over the lone-time second baseman.

Kipnis is making $14.5 million this season. He carries a team option for 2020, but the Indians will almost certainly buy him out for $2.5 million to avoid having to pay him the $16.5 million it will take to pick up his option.