Cleveland Indians: 3 potential trades to help bolster the roster

3. Triston McKenzie, Tyler Naquin, Yandy Diaz and Jason Kipnis to the Toronto Blue Jays for Josh Donaldson and Aaron Sanchez

This would be the craziest deal of the season for any club. With Donaldson, the Indians could move Jose Ramirez to second base permanently and the Lindor/Ramirez middle would be impenetrable.

Donaldson has battled injuries, but with his good defense, power at the plate and experience, the Indians’ infield improves tremendously upon the jigsaw puzzle it has become thanks to Jason Kipnis’ injuries and lack of production in 2017.

The Indians would also gain one of the best young starters in baseball with Aaron Sanchez. He has also battled injuries, but if he can produce like 2016 (5-2, 3.00 ERA), the rotation would be even more incredible.

To get such talent, the Indians would have to give up a lot. With Naquin, Diaz, and Kipnis all capable of full-time MLB action, the Blue Jays would be getting a lot, but for both Sanchez and Donaldson coming over, the Blue Jays would no-doubt ask for Francisco Mejia or Triston McKenzie. With Mejia looking like a future MVP, McKenzie could get added to the deal as the primary focus for the Blue Jays.

This deal would probably never get done, but it works out great for both sides. The Indians move Naquin and Diaz who both aren’t being utilized due to the talent on the Tribe while also gaining a great, young pitcher and a solid third basemen.

The Blue Jays receive a recent All-Star for the next few years and two players who can start the rebuild while also attaining a top prospect in their minor league system.

This deal seems one-sided from both sides because the benefits for both teams are so apparent. The Indians need another hitter and pitcher, while the Jays need prospects and young players to help ease through the next few seasons.

2. Francisco Mejia, Greg Allen and Shawn Armstrong to the Chicago White Sox for Melky Cabrera and Anthony Swarzak 

One outfielder whose name has not come up at all is Melky Cabrera with the Chicago White Sox. He is quietly batting .286 with 11 homers and 53 RBI as of Wednesday night.

He’s not the best on defense, and this is the last year of his contract, but if the Indians are looking to win right now, they need someone to fill-in in the outfield who can produce at a steady rate.

At 32 years old, Cabrera is batting the same as his lifetime average, and the White Sox are trying to move as many pieces as they can.

Yes, Mejia, Allen and Armstrong may seem like a lot for a rental, but if the Tribe can convince Cabrera to stay if Carlos Santana is gone after this year, the lineup could fill a huge hole.

Also, Anthony Swarzak is having a fantastic year in the Chicago bullpen and could help the Indians’ amazing bullpen get even better and more versatile.

Swarzak was with the Indians in 2015 and pitched in 10 games. This year, he has a 2.45 ERA in 38 games. That screams Indians bullpen. He also is making only $900,000 this year, so re-signing him next year could be in the cards.

If the Indians do not want to trade two of their best prospects in Allen and Mejia, they could replace one with a reliever like Dan Otero, Boone Logan or some other lesser player to get the deal done.

Again, because this is two rentals, the Indians might not want to part with their great prospects, but in a “win-now” mode, the front office might do whatever it takes to ensure another trip to October.

Mejia looks untouchable because of his talent and potential, but this writer is sure 9/10 people in Cleveland would trade him for a championship in a heartbeat.

1. Yu-Cheng Chang, Shawn Morimando and Yandy Diaz to the Oakland Athletics for Sonny Gray

This deal might actually get done, and the city of Cleveland should plan a parade if it does. Sonny Gray has had a solid season pitching for the lowly (unless Cleveland is in town) Oakland A’s.

At only 27 and not a free agent until 2020, Gray is “The Whale” for the Indians front office, but what will it take to get this front of the rotation starter who could push the team past Houston, Boston and LA?

In reality, the A’s will ask for the above-mentioned Mejia and McKenzie. Instead, the Indians should offer up Double-A All-Star power-hitting shortstop Yu-Cheng Chang as the center of the deal. At 21, Chang is having a rough year average-wise, but is crushing the ball with 19 homers and 51 RBI for Double-A Akron. He plays tremendous defense and is turning into a great shortstop.

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Shawn Morimando had a rough start with the Triple-A Columbus Clippers, but he has reemerged as a top prospect recently and holds a 3.46 ERA on the season. Seeing action last year with the MLB club, Morimando could immediately be placed in the A’s bullpen or even be given a chance to start.

Rounding out the trade would be the legend himself – Yandy Diaz. After Diaz was sent down amid a disappointing showing at the plate, he has hit .337 with Columbus. He also has 32 walks to 36 strikeouts, so his plate discipline is still showing.

Going into Wednesday’s game, Gray had an ERA of 1.33 in his last four starts. Will these three players be enough to entice the ever-rebuilding A’s, or does McKenzie, Mejia or another higher prospect need to be a part of the deal?

Next: 5 players who must step up in the second half

Knowing the A’s, they will take quantity over quality, so here’s hoping Tribe fans see Gray wearing red, white, and blue very soon.