Cleveland Indians: Potential trade targets before the deadline

Shin-Soo Choo, OF, Texas Rangers

There’s becoming a theme for these trade targets. Can you tell I think the Indians need outfield help?

The Indians have recently been linked to the Rangers for one of their outfielders, unfortunately it’s not the one I think can help the most. Old friend Shin-Soo Choo would be a huge upgrade offensively over anybody who’s played right field this year. He’s batting .281 with 18 home runs, 47 RBIs and a .395 OBP.

Slotting him into the bottom third of the lineup would really solidify it. Choo has struggled a bit against lefties this season, so he would make an ideal platoon with Brandon Guyer in right field. A few issues with Choo is his age, he’s 35, and his contract. Choo is owed $42 million through the 2020 season. If it wasn’t for his contract Choo would be the perfect fit. The Indians would have to send back a large contract or have the Rangers pick up a big chunk of his remaining salary.

With the amount of money still owed to Choo the Indians could use that as a bargaining chip to bring the trade price down.