Question marks in the Indians infield
Trades and position changes can alter the look of the Cleveland Indians infield next season. Expiring contracts of some players may appeal to teams looking to make an all-in push for the World Series in 2019.
Just about everyone on the Cleveland Indians is involved in some sort of rumor. This includes infielders Jason Kipnis, Yonder Alonso, Edwin Encarnacion and Yandy Diaz. Their spot on the infield is not necessarily safe even if they do not appear in trade rumors. Kipnis is destined for the outfield again with Diaz possibly occupying third and shifting Jose Ramirez to second yet again.
Indians President Chris Antonetti stated that Diaz getting 500-600 plate appearances and playing third base this season is possible. Of course many mocked this statement with replying “for another team”. This is taking into account of the rumor that Encarnacion and Diaz may be on the move together as part of a trade package. Essentially Diaz is an add-on to help clear some salary in this mocking scenario.
With how the roster has looked in recent years there has not been a space for Diaz. Kipnis, Ramirez, Francisco Lindor and Encarnacion have occupied their positions for some time now. The only times Diaz would see the field in Cleveland is due to an injury. There was not a spot for Diaz to play and rather have him rot on the bench, he spent his fair share of time at AAA. With a new configuration in the infield and/or a trade or another player Diaz may have his chance at regular playing time with the Indians.
Players on the move?
One trade scenario would be sending both Yonder Alonso and Edwin Encarnacion elsewhere to clear salary and get younger. Encarnacion will be 36 next season and Alonso will turn 32 just after Opening Day. Considering Encarnacion’s age and Alonso’s poor second half, a new home for both is not out of the question. The Indians did express interest in bringing back Carlos Santana. Santana is not expected to ever appear in a Seattle Mariners uniform and may be acquired for one of Cleveland’s first baseman.
Of course the above scenario used as a mocking tool is an actual rumor. A combination of Encarnacion and Yandy Diaz could interest a team in need of a designated hitter and younger corner infielder. The addition of Diaz would help get a better return for the aging Encarnacion.
Jason Kipnis at one point had his name attached in trade rumors with Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer. Considering that attaching his large contract to either player would lessen the return, this rumor died fairly quickly. However his name may continue to reappear in trade rumors moving forward.
The likeliehood of these deals is not known. They are mainly rumors of a backup plan to avoid trading Kluber or Bauer. A way to cut cost and still be competitive without weakening the strength of the team. The harsh reality is that a trade of a staring pitcher appears incredibly likely. It would be the easiest way to improve the roster and remain competitive for the upcoming season and the future. A trade of an infielder may occur, but not necessarily as a way to prevent trading Kluber or Bauer.
What if no trades occur?
This is certainly a possibility. The team has stated that they have not determined their payroll for the upcoming season. More importantly they did not say they are slashing payroll. This could be a trading tool to attempt to drive up the price of their own players and get a better return. However this could also be the truth.
Considering the team operated at a team-record payroll last season, many expected cost-cutting across the board. Even though they never stated that would happen. The only source of this information are from “sources” and not the team itself. That does matter.
Cleveland could be looking to remain competitive without making wholesale changes. This would mean trades of key players are not necessarily on the horizon. Improvements can be made utilizing non-essential players. They will not be as drastic, but it prevents the blow it up for prospects approach many think which his happening.
In the end something in-between the smaller trades earlier this offseason and the all-out fire-sale that some expect will occur. A key player or two will get traded for a mix of MLB talent and prospects. This would help the Indians be competitive in 2019 and beyond, which is the goal of the front office at this moment in time.
UPDATE A TRADE HAS BEEN MADE
The Cleveland Indians have made a trade. Sending Edwin Encarnacion to the Seattle Mariners and Yandy Diaz to the Tampa Bay Rays. In return Cleveland received former Indian Carlos Santana and Jake Bauers from Tampa Bay. Santana will most likely take over the designated hitter role and Bauers could take over duties at first. Bauers does have experience in the outfield, but he is a first baseman by trade. Bauers and Santana are certainly capable of sharing duties at first base if needed. This does leave Yonder Alonso as the odd man out and a trade may occur sooner rather than later.
