There are trade rumors about the Cleveland Indians potentially shopping closer Brad Hand but they should hang onto him unless they are blown away with an offer.
As each day passes there is another trade rumor about the Cleveland Indians trading Brad Hand. Multiple teams believe that Cleveland will indeed trade Brad Hand this season. Unless they are blown away by an offer Cleveland should keep Hand.
Currently Hand has the most saves in the American League and second-most in all of baseball. Even if the Tribe were looking to move Hand his performance indicates he will not come cheap. Add in the fact that his contract is team friendly and that only makes him more expensive. Hand is under control until 2021, that final year is a $10 million club option. For a player of his caliber with two and a half years of control it will cost a lot to pry him away from Cleveland. Especially considering the reason that the team got Hand in the first place. Control.
Part of the reason that the Indians traded away former top prospect Francisco Mejia is that they could control Brad Hand until 2021. This was necessary due to the inevitable departures of both Andrew Miller and Cody Allen. Cleveland still expects to contend (even though this season has not gone to plan) and will continue to construct their team in this particular manner.
The Indians will need quite the bounty to part ways with one of the best available relievers in baseball. Add in the fact that Brad Hand is left handed this only makes his price that much higher. It does not make sense to deal Hand at this time. That is unless they can get the haul he will required. With the belief that the contention window is still open this line of thinking makes the most sense.
