Cleveland Indians: Trade doesn’t solve OF boondoggle
The Cleveland Indians were losers in the trade of Mike Clevinger to the Padres
After labeling the Cleveland Indians one of the losers of the MLB trade deadline, writer Bradford Doolittle asked if the Indians had a “Pathological aversion to everyday outfielders?”
His points well taken, as the Tribe has been a revolving door of outfielders, even dating back to their run to the World Series back in 2016. Remember, Michael Brantley was out for most of that campaign, as Tyler Naquin and Lonnie Chisenhall flip flopped in the outfield. Brandon Guyer was thrown into the mix at the trade deadline. Rajai Davis got some time in center, but wasn’t an everyday player. Heck, I’d forgotten Coco Crisp ended the year with the Tribe and got 12 World Series at bats.
As for Doolittle’s point, it’s beyond fair to hold this front office accountable, for not coming up with at least one bona fide corner outfield prospect that could help the 2020 Tribe win the World Series.
Wasn’t there a supposed bidding war for Clevinger? Rumors were the Tribe’s asking price was sky high, yet the best they could do was Josh Naylor, a prospect who had failed to deliver on the promise that comes with being a first-round pick throughout his minor-league career.
To make matters worse, it’s being speculated his MLB future will be at first base–probably as soon as next year when when the Indians decline to pick up Carlos Santana’s $17.5 million option.
The wheel keeps spinning, and leaves you wondering how the organization could trade three front-of-the-rotation arms in the past 13 months and not receive a corner bat in return? I’ll give partial credit to Franmil Reyes, because he at least played some outfield with the Padres.
However, from the moment he put on a Tribe uniform, it was obvious he was destined to one thing, though: DH.
IF that corner outfield bat wasn’t there, the Indians could’ve waited. The Padres deal would’ve been there in December. Perhaps there was no coming back for Clevinger with the clubhouse after he skipped out and didn’t tell anyone about his night out in Chicago.
Either way, it’s a mystery, how such a smart front office could completely ignore a position.
In 2023, hopefully we’ll all be signing the praises of Chris Antonetti and Mike Chernoff as Gabriel Arias assumes his spot as the heir to Francisco Lindor, while Joey Cantillo is en route to being the next great Tribe stater.
Next. 5 impacts Clevinger trade will have on Indians. dark
Good luck guessing who’ll be playing out field, though.