Cleveland Indians: 5 players to target at the trade deadline

The Indians’ outfield has been a pain point for much of the season. Michael Brantley is back, then he is not. Lonnie Chisenhall is strong in the outfield, but Terry does not want him starting in center.

Bradley Zimmer comes up and shines, and he is not getting a real shot in center field. Brandon Guyer and Abraham Almonte disappoint with injuries, and they should be back soon. Austin Jackson has pleasantly surprised, but he has been a disaster defensively. The Tribe keeps shuffling its outfield, and its fans and this writer are frustrated. Let’s get a solid starting situation and a platoon in right field and call it a day.

Who are the options? Michael Saunders is a choice, the Phillies recently released him. He could play first base or right field. The Mets want to sell; Jay Bruce is on the block. The Tribe could use someone like Jay Bruce, specifically, who can hit and run, in right field. He’s on a reasonable contract, and he could slot in nicely in the sixth or seventh hole.

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The Indians missed out on Bruce last year, and they made it all the way to the World Series. Bruce’s arrival would put a fire under the butts of a lot of Tribe players. The Indians could bring him in and see who wins the position battles. Right now, Lonnie “won” right field, and no one has won center field. If Bruce steps in, we could see a shift in play, pushing the Indians’ starting nine to the brink of greatness.