The Cleveland Indians made a trade Sunday, acquiring relief pitcher Hunter Wood and infielder Christian Arroyo from the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Cleveland Indians made a trade. No, it does not include Trevor Bauer. The Tribe got some help for the bullpen and a potential infielder for the future in Hunter Wood and Christian Arroyo. Tampa Bay needed to clear a roster spot for the recently acquired Eric Sogard.
Hunter Wood figures to slide into the Indians bullpen. The 25-year old right hander has an ERA of 2.48 and a WHIP of 1.138 in 29 innings of work this season. Add in the fact that he is under control until 2025 the deal makes a ton of sense for Cleveland. Players who are young, with upside and are under contract for the foreseeable future is exactly what the Indians are looking for at this point in time. Especially considering that many expect Brad Hand to be dealt as early as this offseason, if not sooner.
Christian Arroyo is an interesting part of the deal. Once a highly regarded prospect, Arroyo has struggled at the Major League level. Cleveland is buying low on a reclamation project. Arroyo has a slash line of .215/.280/.342 with an OPS of .622 over 70 career games. Christian Arroyo has experienced a lot more success in the minors. in 33 games at Triple-A this season Arroyo slashed .314/.381/.603 with an OPS of .984. This is more in tune with what has been expected of him at the plate. Currently Arroyo is on the the injured list due to an arm injury. Whether or not Arroyo plays for the Indians this season remains to be seen. The intriguing part of Arroyo is his versatility. Arroyo has 42 starts at third, 11 at second and 10 at shortstop. With Jose Ramirez occupying third and Francisco LIndor at shortstop this leaves second as his opportunity.
