Four Reasons the Cleveland Indians Should Be Buyers At the Trade Deadline

Jul 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Indians first baseman Brandon Moss (44) receives a high-five in the dugout after scoring a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fourth inning of an inter-league game at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

With the way the Cleveland Indians’ season has gone so far, it’s hard to say how the second half will shape up. But it’s now July, and the trade deadline is just a few short weeks away. The Tribe will have to make a decision on whether they will be buyers or sellers.

At eight games back in the division and a 38-41 record, it’s hard to tell what direction the team is headed in. Admittedly, there have been a few disappointments. Jose Ramirez and Lonnie Chisenhall did not perform well during their stints with the big league club earlier this season. Ramirez batted just .180/.247/.240, and Chisenhall posted a .209/.241/.345 line of his own.

The fifth starter position has been a nightmare for the Tribe. T.J. House failed to keep the spot he earned in spring training, and veterans Bruce Chen and Shaun Marcum didn’t last, either. In addition to the back end of the rotation, the Tribe’s bullpen has struggled. Reliever Scott Atchison was ultimately released, and the Indians have tried a plethora of young minor league arms.

But despite their struggles, the Indians seemed to have settled down, and there are plenty of reasons for Cleveland to think they can take back the division and win a playoff spot. When the trade deadline arrives, the Tribe should be buyers, not sellers.

Here are three reasons why:

Next: The first reason? Cody Anderson