Cleveland Indians: 6 trades targeted by The Athletic’s Jim Bowden

2. Cleveland Indians target: Willie Calhoun

It wasn’t all that long ago who suggested the Cleveland Indians could be a player for slugger Joey Gallo.

With Bobby Bradley getting our hopes up at first base, looking at Gallo doesn’t seem as urgent as it did three weeks ago.

Bowden suggested another Ranger, Willie Calhoun. Like Santander, Calhoun should come cheap in a deal because he’s just not producing like he did a couple years back, when he hit 21 homers and posted an .848 OPS in 2019.

In 51 games this season, Calhoun is batting .249 with five homers and a .708 OPS.

He’s only ever played left field at the Major League level.

The Tribe’s outfield is far from perfect, but you’ve got to question whether the front office would really make a move for a corner outfielder with Eddie Rosario hearting up and Josh Naylor doing a solid job in right.

Center remains a question mark, but at the very least,  Bradley Zimmer has brought improved defense to the position. When Franmil Reyes returns to DH, Harold. Ramirez, who’s also done a solid job at the dish, will be able to spell either Rosario or Naylor.

For what it’s worth, the Indians shouldn’t mind taking on Calhoun’s $593,000 salary. He becomes arbitration eligible after the season.