Cleveland Indians: Which Available Third Baseman Is a Fit For Tribe?

Trade Possible But Unlikely…For Now

Despite all the talk of the Cleveland Indians making a trade involving a pitcher, it’s now February and the team has yet to make any real trades this offseason. I actually expect that to remain true the rest of the winter and don’t see a trade happening to fill the void at third base. There are definitely a few options out there that could really help the Tribe still, but I don’t see anything big happening between now and Opening Day. That said, I wouldn’t rule out the team looking to make a trade this summer though if third base remains an issue, and one name to keep an eye on is Nolan Arenado.

Now, before everyone gets too excited, I’m not saying that trade here is likely at all (it’s not). However, the Rockies are a team that, depending on how things go early in 2015, could be looking to sell some parts and rebuild somewhat. They are stuck in a division with the Dodgers, Diamondbacks, and Giants, so finishing any higher than fourth is a tall task. They’ve already moved Troy Tulowitzki and Corey Dickerson, plus could possibly still part with Carols Gonzalez. Arenado still has three years of control after 2016, so there’s no rush in moving him, but he has the most trade value of any member of the Rockies. They also have one of the best third base prospects in the game in Ryan McMahon, who some see as the heir apparent there.

Even if the Rockies did make Arenado available, as many have speculated, it will be no easy task landing him. He’s a top third baseman in the game, along with Josh Donaldson, and with four years of control left (as of now) the Rockies would need to be blown away to move him. It would cost at least two of Bradley Zimmer, Clint Frazier, Brady Aiken, and Mike Clevinger, plus some other pieces. Not many young players capable of hitting 40 home runs while playing gold glove defense available, so even if the Indians were willing to part with the talent required, they’ll have steep competition from a host of other clubs. Another longshot, but someone I’d keep an eye on as the season progresses. It would be a bold move for Mike Chernoff as he starts his GM tenture…

Next: Indians Non-Roster Invitees: Michael Martinez

At the end of the day though, free agency still seems like the most likely option for the Indians to upgrade at third. There are three legit upgrades still available in Juan Uribe, David Freese, and Ian Desmond.  There aren’t many teams still in need of a third baseman either so this should play into the Tribe’s favor in negotiations.  Where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire, so don’t be surprised at all if we hear about another addition soon for the Cleveland Indians…