Indians: What happened (or didn’t) at the Winter Meetings?

Late Wednesday evening the news broke that Anthony Rendon had signed with the Los Angeles Angels. The ripple effect was that now the Angels focus was going to be on starting pitching, which finished last in the AL in 2019.

The Indians have been and will be linked to the Angels as a rumored partner because of the Indians starting rotation depth. The names most often linked to the Angels are Corey Kluber and even Carlos Carrasco.

Both pitchers are coming off of unhealthy 2019 campaigns, but both are signed for multiple seasons, feature a strong track record, and could be acquired at a slight discount knowing their 2019 performance and the Indians’ cash limitations.

The problem with this rumored link to the Angels is: Who would the Indians get in return to benefit the tam? Barring a corresponding Lindor trade, moving any starting pitcher is expected to bring back offense to Cleveland.

How do you feel about a Kluber for LaStella trade? It’s not extremely appetizing to trade away a fan favorite for a player who compares to current free agent Jason Kipnis. What the Angels do have that the Indians would want is a top-tier corner OF prospect in Jo Adell. Would the Angels give up a high ceiling prospect who’s poised to play next to Mike Trout for many years, just for a couple seasons of Kluber or Carrasco? If Adell is included in any trade package, expect the Indians to make a move.

That move, though, isn’t a ‘win-now’ move for the Indians. Beyond Adell and a few other lower level prospects, the Angels don’t have a significant MLB contingent to send back.