5 players Cleveland Indians must get in Francisco Lindor, Blue Jays trade

2. Jordan Groshans, SS/3B

Cleveland’s trade that sent Mike Clevinger to San Diego yielded shortstop Gabriel Arias, and the middle-infielder is promising, the Indians should try to add shortstop Jordan Groshans in any potential deal.

Groshans was the 12th overall pick in the 2018 draft and was outstanding at the plate during the 2019 Class A season with the Midwest League’s Lansing Lugnuts. Baseball America listed him as the game’s 29th rated prospect prior to the 2020 season. His estimated big-league time of arrival is 2022, but after COVID-19’s impact on the last season, you may add another year on that.

He’s split time between shortstop and third base in the minors, playing slightly more at short. It’s believed short might not be his long-term fit.

It may not be what fans want to hear in terms of winning right now, but if Jose Ramirez (under contract through 2023) sticks at the hot corner for the next few seasons and Tribe top prospect Nolan Jones makes good on seizing an outfield role in 2021, the Indians will be in the need for a third baseman when JRAM is either traded before his contract expiries or walks in free agency.

Groshans hit .298 and .331, respectively in his first two years of pro ball, and while it was the minors, it’s certainly better than hitting .202.