With the Cleveland Indians looking more like “sellers” than “buyers” ahead of the trade deadline, one can’t help but think Jose Ramirez may not actually get the chance to wear one of those new Guardians uniforms.
The Indians reportedly must be “overwhelmed” to trade their best player, so while a deal is unlikely don’t rule it out.
This team traded Corey Kluber and Mike Clevinger without batting an eye. Flipping players near the end of their contracts is what the organization has to do to stay competitive. They didn’t do it fast enough with Francisco Lindor, although that trade may still bare fruit.
Casual fans won’t understand all the talk surrounding a potential trade, nor should they. Jose Is “the guy” in Cleveland’s offense. Cleveland.com’s Paul Hoynes said something interesting on his recent Cleveland Baseball Podcast, citing a conversation he had with an executive who brought up the Rays.
Who was “The guy” in Tampa’s run to the World Series. Exactly.
Unfortunately, I remember what trying to find a third baseman was like before the Indians stumbled upon Ramirez. The late Andy Marte and Lonnie Chisenhall were prospects hailed as saviors at the position. Alas, it never worked out.
While Cleveland likely won’t deal Ramirez, here’s a look at five trade destinations for the three-time All-Star.
1. Cleveland Indians trade with Blue Jays
Blue Jays upper management developed Jose Ramirez in the early 2010s when they were working for the Tribe, so familiarity is there. Plus, his contract would be attractive to a team that’s largely made up of younger talent and ready to compete for a championship.
An infield of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first, Cavan Biggio and second, Bo Bichette at short and J-Ram at third could certainly create some thunder come October.
If the Indians trade Ramirez, the organization needs to get the very best, as he’s one of the best bargains in baseball.
In a deal, the Tribe should be looking for Jordan Groshans, who is currently the Blue Jays No. 3 rated prospect. He’s currently batting .298 (.836 OPS) at Class AA. I know, I know. The Indians have middle infielders.
Here’s the thing: Shortstops are typically the best athlete on the team. They can be moved to other spots. Rick Manning was a shortstop. Amed Rosario may very well end up playing center field. Groshans is a potential superstar and I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to secure him as part of a package.
Other potential prospects in the deal include Adam Kloffenstein, a pitcher who’s currently rated as the sixth best prospect in the organization. He’s at high A, so it’ll be a couple of years until he’s ready.
2. Cleveland Indians trade with Atlanta Braves
Jose Ramirez would be the perfect fit for the Atlanta Braves, who need to recoup some offense after losing Ronald Acuna for the season.
Keep in mind, Ramirez’s name has been tied to the Braves before.
In dealing with Atlanta, Cleveland needs to acquire outfielder Drew Waters. He can play any outfield spot and is a switch hitter, although he’s better from the left side of the plate. He’s currently the Braves No. 2 prospect and ranked No. 25 in all of baseball.
Christian Pache is Atlanta’s No. 1 prospect. The center fielder struggled with Atlanta, and has struggled with Triple-A Gwinnett since his demotion.
Besides Waters, any potential deal should also include pitcher Kyle Muller. He’s 23 and has bounced between the Braves and Gwinnett. Muller has a 2.55 ERA at the MLB level in six appearances (five starts). He has 26 strikeouts in 24.2 innings.
When you think you have enough pitching…Muller is viewed as a long-term rotation piece.
3. Cleveland Indians trade to Brewers
The NL Central’s is Milwaukee’s to lose, and with St. Louis and Chicago down in 2021, the Brew Crew needs to make a run.
With Christian Yelich still being productive, but far from what he was in his MVP season, Milwaukee could really use a boost.
Milwaukee’s hot corner saw Travis Shaw get significant time earlier in the year, but the Ohio native is on the 60-day IL. He wasn’t producing when in the lineup, as he was hitting .191 and slugging just over .330.
Luis Urias is getting playing time now. He’s playing better than Shaw (.236, .751 OPS, 13 HRs), but clearly, Ramirez, an MVP candidate in three of the past four seasons, would be an upgrade.
The Indians should build a package centered around Milwaukee No. 1 prospect Garrett Mitchell. He was crushing High A pitching and has just begun his Double-A journey.
4. Cleveland Indians trade to Yankees
A recent deal was proposed in the media of sending J-Ram to the Yankees for prospects and Gleyber Torres. Don’t see how this deal works, because Torres is too close to free agency and he certainly doesn’t look like the player who hit 38 homers in 2019.
If New York wants to talk J-Ram, the Indians need to start talks surrounding No. 1 uber prospect Jasson Dominguez. He’s 18 and at Class A. That said, with Nolan Jones close to beginning his MLB career, I’m willing to take a prospect who won’t be MLB ready for awhile because of Domginguez’s clear superstar potential.
These aren’t George Steinbrenner’s Yankees, though, and sacrificing to win now through trades hasn’t been the way the Yankees have done business lately.
5. Cleveland Indians trade to Mariners
This rumor crept up the other day and I thought it was ridiculous, unless Seattle was ready to part with two big-time prospects.
I’m looking at corner outfielder Jared Kelenic as well as their uber prospect, Julio Rodriguez. Heck, I may even ask for outfielder Taylor Trammel.
Realistically, considering how affordable Ramirez is, coming along with 2 1/2 years of club control, the Tribe should, at the very least, be able to come away with one of their top prospects. If not, GM Mike Chernoff can go ahead and block their number.
I compared a J-Ram-Mariners trade to the deal the Indians made with Rockies back in 2011, when they shipped top pitching prospects Alex White and Drew Pomeranz to Denver for Ubaldo Jimenez.
You want to get something? Be ready to ante up. Seattle GM Jerry DiPoto has never been shy about trading, so only time will tell.
The MLB trade deadline is July 30.