The Cleveland Indians have already traded Yan Gomes. Now fans are wondering if one of the starting pitchers will be the next to go.
It was a busy weekend for football fans in Ohio.
Those who only follow the Cleveland Indians got their share of excitement when Yan Gomes was traded on Friday, and the move may have caused some to tune out any offseason news for a few days.
The rumors continued to flow anyway, including one involving Corey Kluber.
Sources say the Mets have spoken with the Indians about Corey Kluber. The two teams had talked about Yan Gomes before he was dealt to the Nationals, but the Mets' interest now appears to also extend to Kluber, who had Mets manager Mickey Callaway as a pitching coach in Cleveland.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 2, 2018
At this point in the offseason we are used to the language. The two teams have talked, which is likely going on between the Indians and several other teams in the league.
The interesting part with the New York Mets is the connection between Kluber and Mickey Callaway. The former Indians pitching coach may convince his front office to make a big deal for his former ace.
This talk comes on the heels of news that Carlos Carrasco may be receiving an extension with the team.
#Indians in discussions with RHP Carlos Carrasco about an extension, sources tell The Athletic. Carrasco signed for 2019 at $9.75M with $10.25M club option for ‘20. Previously accepted below-market, four-year, $22M deal with two club options after heart scare in April 2015.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 30, 2018
#Indians would not trade Carrasco this off-season if he agreed to extension, sources say. If CLE moves a starter, as it has indicated it will, choice will come down to Kluber (3 years control) or Bauer (2). Bauer has said he will not sign extension, preferring to go year-to-year.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 30, 2018
And given Trevor Bauer‘s desire not to go anywhere on a long-term deal, Kluber could be a focal point for teams looking to find a top pitcher for 2019 and beyond.
Most teams in the league would love to have Kluber. The Mets simply stand out due to the fact Callaway is the manager.
I am still hesitant to believe the Indians would make such a move unless they got better in the deal. The Gomes deal is a different story, as it appears the team was looking to cut salary at a position that wouldn’t result in a major loss of value to the team as a whole.
The Kluber rumors will continue to flow until he is either moved or the team flat out says he won’t be, but keep an eye on the Mets as a team that continues pursuing him.