Cleveland Indians: 3 players that COVID might force them to trade

3. Brad Hand

Closer Brad Hand was the talk of trade rumors last season, and while he still anchors the back of the Tribe’s bullpen, you’ve got to wonder for how much longer.

Hand made the All-Star team a year ago, but he trended the wrong direction in the second half.

Before COVID, Hand was a steal, making $7 million as an elite closer. He carries a team option for 2021, which would pay him $10 million.

Before the season was shut down, it looked as if the Tribe was working to re-vamp the back of the pend for Hand’s departure. James Karinchak is an intriguing player who could be the closer of the future.

Emmanuel Clase has been a huge disappointment so joining the Tribe (suspension, injuries), but he could still potentially be a factor beyond 2020.

Trading Hand now coincides with what was written previously. The Indians are going to be strapped financially, more than ever, and they’ve got to build up the prospect pool to stay competitive throughout the decade.