Cleveland Indians: Could Jason Motte Be a Trade Possibility?

With the need for another reliever, might the Cleveland Indians consider trading for Jason Motte?

Jason Motte boasts a career 3.16 ERA and could be a good fit for the Tribe, who need another late-inning reliever to enhance their chances of clinching a playoff spot and then doing some damage once they get there. The Colorado Rockies’ reliever is in the midst of a strong 2016 campaign as the 34-year-old righty has pitched to a 3.14 ERA in 14 1/3 innings with five holds. He has walked just three batters all season. 

More from Away Back Gone

• Cleveland Guardians tantalizingly close to locking up AL Central tiebreakers
• Cleveland Guardians: Terry Francona becomes meme in profanity-laced ejection
• Say goodbye to defensive shifts and hello to bigger bases, pitch clock in 2023
• Cleveland Guardians: Shane Bieber second-fastest to 800 strikeouts in major-league history
• The next week will make or break the Cleveland Guardians’ season

Motte, a former St. Louis Cardinals product, also has closing experience, which would provide the Tribe with insurance in case incumbent closer Cody Allen falters or gets injured. Motte has 60 career saves and plenty of playoff experience, which is also a plus for Cleveland. In 19 postseason appearances spanning across three years, the grizzled veteran has proven he can pitch under pressure. In 21 2/3 innings pitched, Motte boasts a 1-1 record with eight saves and a 2.08 ERA. He has walked just two batters in postseason play and while his 10 strikeouts are pretty low, he has managed to keep the opposition in the ballpark, surrendering just two home runs.

Motte would not be a splashy addition. But he could be a low-risk, high reward pickup for Cleveland who is a proven postseason pitcher. Colorado would not ask for too much in return and Motte would be under contract in 2017 for a modest $5 million.

Next: Kluber Named to All-Star Team

Going after Motte looks like it would be a no-brainer for the Cleveland Indians. What do you think? Sound off in the comments below.