Cleveland Indians: 5 potential trade spots for Carlos Carrasco

2. Angels

Francisco Lindor to the Angels also makes sense, but it would make even more sense for Los Angeles to build a package around the four-time All-Star, as well as Carlos Carrasco.

Yes, Lindor makes an already great lineup even scarier, but there’s really one thing keeping Mike Trout out of October: Pitching, pitching and even more pitching.

Frankly, the Angels have never pitched well with Trout on the roster. They tried to make a splash when Trout was young, adding C.J. Wilson, but that free-agent signing went bust. They went after Gerritt Cole a season ago, but came up short.

Adding Carrasco would be the afterthought in a trade that brings Lindor to the Angels, but it could ultimately be the one that really helps.

Remember when the Indians of the mid 90s signed Dennis Martinez and Orel Hershiser? These were veterans toward the end of their careers who signed modest deals. That said, they had just enough in the tank to really make an impact.

At this point, Carrasco, 33, realistically has 2-3 more really good years remaining, meaning he could be the player the Angels need to change the narrative around the rotation.

Reality it happens: Again, this makes too much sense. With so much invested in Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani and Anthony Rendon, what’s another $12 million to fulfill the team’s biggest need?