Cleveland Indians: Potential trade targets before the deadline

The Cleveland Indians have been struck with the injury bug. There are a couple of names on the trade market who could help stem the tide and provide production heading towards the playoffs.

When I sat down to write this post I was going to look into the Cleveland Indians possibly upgrading their team by finding a second or third baseman. That was before another Indians outfielder, Tyler Naquin, went down with an injury.

There’s no way around it anymore, the Indians need a bona fide outfielder. Moving Jason Kipnis to the outfield would be nothing more than applying a band-aid where stitches are needed.

The Indians window to contend is the next couple of seasons, so anything they do I know they have that as their guide. I believe they will make a move for an outfielder, their hand has almost been forced with the injuries they’ve sustained. I don’t know if they will make a move before the July non-waiver deadline, but they will definitely make one before the August waiver deadline.

More teams will fall out of the race by the end of August and the Indians will be heavily involved with any outfielder placed on waivers. In 2016, the Indians traded for Coco Crisp from Oakland during the waiver period and he ended up playing a role on their run to the World Series. So if the Indians don’t make a move over the next few days don’t worry, there is still a possibility for help down the road.

While I still wouldn’t be opposed to finding an upgrade at second base, the outfield is the glaring need. After doing some roster searching I’ve found a few pieces I think could help the Tribe.