Cleveland Indians: Mariners trade offer for Jose Ramirez better include this

The latest MLB trade rumors emerging prior to the deadline have the Seattle Mariners interested in Cleveland Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez.

MLB.com’s Jon Morosi reported Ramirez could be available, with the Indians falling to .500, losing five of their last six.

It’s a long shot Ramirez will be traded, but the Indians are probably willing to listen, as Ramirez as two teams options that keep him under club control through the 2023 campaign.

At this point, it’s probably safe to subscribe to the theory that the Indians would have to be “blown away” in an offer.

What’s that mean? Morosi speculated that the Mariners have 2B/SS depth to deal. Not sure why Cleveland would need more middle infielders in their system, as Cleveland’s backlog at the position will force them to make some decisions.

Any deal should include two of the top three Mariners prospects: Outfielders Jared Kelenic (No. 1) and Julio Rodriguez (No. 2), or pitcher Emerson Hancock. Kelenic is MLB ready, while Rodriguez is at Class AA. Hancock, is 22 and in his first season of professional ball. He pitched collegiately at Georgia.

A bit steep you say? Tough. Remember when the Indians made a deal for Ubaldo Jimenez back in 2011? They coughed up the top two prospects in their system, Drew Pomeranz and Alex White to land the Colorado hurler, who had two-and-a-half years of control under his belt.

Ramirez is an MVP caliber talent who Seattle would have for 2 1/2 season. Seattle’s GM, Jerry DiPoto loves to deal, so rule nothing out.

I hope the Indians don’t trade Ramirez, because I’m optimistic the Guardians will be able to contend in the Central in 2022. The terrific trio of Shane Bieber, Aaron Civale and Zach Plesac will be healthy. Plus the Indians–or Guardians– should be able to fill out the rotation with some of the young guys we’re seeing now.

Eli Morgan and J.C. Morgan, in particular, have made nice strides. Of course, Triston McKenzie will also be an option.

Plus, the lineup will continue to be improved. Bobby Bradley is in a different stratosphere from what we were seeing with Jake Bauers. Josh Naylor is a good MLB player. Daniel Johnson looks good, too. This year has always kind of been a “find out about” season, and taking the time to evaluate what Cleveland has should be beneficial come 2022.

There’s also the question of where to play Nolan Jones. He’s come up as a third baseman, but has played outfield as well. He strikes out…a lot, or about 32 percent of his at bats.

Hopefully, the Indians find a way to extend Ramirez, as he’s the superstar of the current team who could usher in a new era of baseball. However, if they do trade him, get what he’s worth–the very best prospects in the game.