If the Cleveland Indians are going to retool their roster rather than conduct a firesale they will need to acquire some talent before the deadline.
Even though the Cleveland Indians have been rather disappointing this season the general consensus is that the team will look to acquire some talent. This would be done through some retooling and buying players with expiring contracts. Of course this only matters if Cleveland does not conduct a firesale. A practice which many do not expect to happen.
Tommy La Stella
Tommy La Stella is currently enjoying the best season of his career. La Stella has hit more home runs this season than the previous five years combined. His current team (Los Angeles Angels) are currently not contending for the playoffs. This could mean they may try to flip La Stella to a contender for a prospect. La Stella does have one more year of arbitration remaining on his deal and could interest the Indians because of that. Cleveland prefers to acquire players before they hit free agency. Additionally La Stella’s versatility will allow him to play all over the diamond and could usher in the post-Jason Kipnis era at second.
Asdrubal Cabrera
Asdrubal Cabrera has been connected to the Indians several times over the past couple seasons. The former Indians’ shortstop and second baseman could be on the move since Texas is not exactly expected to make a run at the playoffs. The Rangers may be able to move the expiring contract of Cabrera to a contender such as Cleveland. Cleveland could use some more infield help as their current backup infielder is Mike Freeman who leaves a lot to be desired. Cabrera still has some pop in his bat and could augment a rather powerless Cleveland offense. Regular play time would not be needed and Cabrera could help give the regular infielders a day off when necessary. Whether that is by way of an off day or a day as a designated hitter, either option would be beneficial.
Hunter Pence
Another name the Texas Rangers could move is Hunter Pence. Pence has experienced an offensive resurgence now that he has left San Francisco. Cleveland’s outfield is still unsettled and even a slightly downgraded Pence would be an upgrade over most the Indians outfielders. It may not be all that likely that Pence can continue his hot start, but a contender may be willing to take a chance on him. If the Tribe can acquire Pence for a low-level prospect it is hard to pass up.
Nicholas Castellanos
This one may be the hardest to pull off. Nicholas Castellanos is probably the best hitter among those mentioned here but there is one problem. He plays for a division rival. Detroit may be wary of sending Castellanos to Cleveland unless the Tribe pay up big time. While Cleveland and Detroit did make a deal last season for Leonys Martin, Castellanos is a much better player than Martin. A trade that both teams can agree to will not be as easy as the deal for Martin.
Detroit will have to evaluate their options thoroughly. Castellanos is due to become a free agent after the season and his agent will not make things easy. Castellanos is a Scott Boras client which means there is not an extension on the horizon, (Castellanos hired Boras earlier this year). Detroit may want to get something rather than the nothing. This is where Cleveland could come in and make a deal. While the Tigers may want a bit more from the Indians than others. It is a small price to pay to acquire a productive offensive outfielder. Something that the Indians really do not have much of at this moment. Even if Castellanos were to spend the majority of the time as a DH, it is still a productive addition to the lineup.
