Friday Five: Trades for the Cleveland Indians to move Mike Clevinger

In the first round of the 2013 MLB Draft the Cleveland Indians selected outfielder Clint Frazier. They then sent Frazier to the Yankees in 2016 as part of the deal that landed Andrew Miller, who went on to win the Postseason MVP that season for the Indians. Now, Frazier could make his way back to Cleveland.

In just six games played this year because of a crowded outfield, Frazier has put up impressive numbers, using his limited time as best as he can. Entering the start of play Thursday, he had made 24 plate appearances, he has nine hits, two walks and just four strikeouts for a .409 batting average. He’s also been able to log three doubles and club two home runs while totaling eight RBIs.

Frazier could provide the perfect amount of pop that the Indians are looking for and would free them up to move a different outfielder that could fall out of the fold from this move, but this wouldn’t be a lopsided trade by any means.

Although the Yankees have been successful this year, currently leading the AL East and looking to be the AL favorites, their pitching could be improved.. J.A. Happ is currently holding a 6.39 ERA and is 37 years old. Mike Clevinger would be quite the upgrade over him in the rotation, not to mention he would inject the rotation with a bit of youth compared to Happ.

Out of the five trades here, this one seems to be the most beneficial to both teams, both contenders looking to add that final piece for the playoffs. The Indians and Yankees have dealt before and this trade makes sense on both sides.