Corey Kluber

Indians-Angels discussing Corey Kluber

The Cleveland Indians and Los Angeles Angels have been discussing a trade involving two-time Cy Young Award winningi pitcher Corey Kluber.

There were some rumblings about the Cleveland Indians exploring trade options involving Corey Kluber. This was definitely on the table for the Tribe after picking up his option for 2020. Now there are more concrete rumors that came from the Winter Meetings. The Los Angeles Angels have shown interest in acquiring the two-time Cy Young Award winner.

This appears a direct reaction to not landing Gerrit Cole. The Angels know they need to bolster their rotation and acquiring Corey Kluber could do just that. The Angels are unlikely to spend a lot on the free agent market after signing Anthony Rendon to a large deal. This means that trades are their best option in order to improve their rotation.

On the Indians side of things, this aligns with idea that they are trying to cut payroll yet again. Kluber is due $17 million in 2020 and for a pitcher who experienced an injury plagued and sub-par season in 2019, that’s a big ask. Cleveland is trying to extend their contention window rather than capitalizing on what could be their last shot in 2020. Trading Kluber (and others) may keep them competitive, but not competitive enough to actually win a World Series.

The return for Corey Kluber may not be all that great considering his age (34) and his performance could continue to trend in the wrong direction. Trading Kluber now may be a shortsighted move just to ditch salary rather than capitalize on what he could bring back. In a perfect world the Indians wait for Kluber to rebuild some value during the season and then look to move, maximizing their return. Unfortunately this is not a perfect world. Cleveland will more than likely have to make a move sooner rather than later.

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