Indians: 5 former Tribe players the team should bring back to bolster the squad

Corey Kluber

The Indians are already going to Corey Kluber’s workout to evaluate him for a potential return. He’ll have a lot of suitors if he’s healthy, something he hasn’t been in two years. While there is a controversy following him for doctoring balls, Kluber remains a fan favorite of just about every Cleveland sports fan in the last decade. His return would really bolster some fan’s spirits.

Not just that, but Kluber provides a need at the fifth starter spot. The Indians are pretty set with the first, second, third, and fourth pitchers but are in need of a fifth rotation guy. Sure, a bullpen guy could make the transition, or someone from Triple-A could get the nod but bringing in a hungry, determined Kluber would be the way to go if things fell into place.

In his nine years in Cleveland, Kluber posted a career 3.16 ERA, with 98 wins, 17 complete games, five seasons of 200+ innings pitched, 1,462 strikeouts, five straight seasons of 200+ strikeouts, three All-Star nods, and two Cy Young awards to his name.

Arguably should’ve been three, and a case could be made for four.

He was traded away last offseason for outfielder Delino DeShields and reliever Emannuel Clase. While Clase got suspended for PED use, DeShields established himself as a player who could fill in easily in the outfield, that is, before he was let go.

Kluber isn’t what he once was, but if he’s the fifth starter, he may just be able to generate some impressive outings still.

(Update: Signed with the Yankees)