Cleveland Indians Looking at Closers for Bullpen Help?

Cleveland Indians Looking at Closers for Bullpen Help?

The Cleveland Indians have been linked to a number of bullpen options as the trade deadline approaches and according to Paul Hoynes of the Plain Dealer that search has extended to closers as well.

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The Indians bullpen has been a weak spot all season but the spot that seems fine has been the 9th inning with Cody Allen as the closer. While he hasn’t been having his best season, he does have 20 saves in 22 chances. He also has a solid 2.44 ERA and 1.08 WHIP while still striking out over 32 percent of batters he’s faced. However, there’s been times when he’s looked a bit off, including last night when he made things interesting with a two-run lead.

When asked recently about the possibility of the Indians adding a closer, Allen seemed on board saying he’d be more than willing to give up the job if it helps the team. The Indians have been linked to players like Aroldis Chapman before he went to the Chicago Cubs but closers such as Wade Davis, Mark Melancon, and Jeanmar Gomez could be options as well. Our own Andrew Schmid recently talked about Gomez as an option but Davis and Melancon would be even bigger additions.

“I had talked a little bit about it with JB (Jason Bere, bullpen coach),” said Allen. “I approached Mickey (Callaway, pitching coach) and I said, ‘Hey, I hope you guys know that if you guys were wavering on something (making a move for a closer), not sure of something, I’m comfortable with it.’“That conversation went in Tito (Francona)’s office and I also talked a little bit about it to Chris (Antonetti, president of baseball operations). I wanted to let them know if we’re looking to do something here, I’m totally fine with it. I have no reservations. We talked about a few different things just to make sure everyone is on the same page.”

Davis has been arguably the best reliever in the game the last couple years and been a huge reason why the Kansas City Royals went to back-to-back World Series. He has 21 saves this year despite missing time with injury. However, he’s been similar to Allen in that while his numbers have been good this year (2.75 ERA, 1.10 WHIP), he hasn’t been as great as years past. That said, he will still cost an arm and a leg to acquire in a trade. He’s not a rental as he has has a $10 million club option for 2017 that is certain to be picked up. The Royals also will not likely want to deal Davis in the division knowing he could pitch against them in 2017.

Mark Melancon has been one of the best closers in the National League, helping the Pittsburgh Pirates make the playoffs. He’s having another great season with 30 saves and a 1.51 ERA. Unlike Davis though, Melancon is a free agent at the end of the season making him a rental. Despite his lack of control beyond this season, he will still cost a to acquire, especially after what the New York Yankees acquired for Chapman, who was also a rental.

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Adding a stud closer like a Davis or Melancon would allow the Indians to move Allen to the 8th inning, which in turn bumps Bryan Shaw to the 7th inning and the likes of Jeff Manship and Dan Otero to the 6th inning. While a move for a lesser pitcher is way more likely, it’s still good to see the Indians linked to the big time relievers that can really help this club clinch their first division title since 2007.