Cleveland Indians: 4 trade ideas for Mike Chernoff

In order to make a deep playoff run, the Cleveland Indians need to add help in the outfield and perhaps acquire a bullpen arm. Here are four trades that would make sense for Mike Chernoff to make.

The Cleveland Indians are 19-12 31 games into the 2020 60-game season despite having one of baseball’s worst offensive attacks.

Cleveland ranks 27th in the majors with a team batting average of .214, ranks 23rd in runs scored (118) and 25h in with home runs (27) yet are still likely set to return to the postseason in 2020 for the fourth time in five years.

While the struggles of star players Jose Ramirez and Francisco Lindor are in large part why the Indians rank near the bottom of baseball in these critical offensive categories, much blame should be placed on the Cleveland outfield.

Players such as Bradley Zimmer (.162/.360/243), Jordan Luplow (.139/.295/.250), Delino DeShields (.237/.326/.237) and Greg Allen (.190/.217/381) have all struggled mightily this season leaving the Tribe without a reliable outfield bat.

At the upcoming deadline, adding offensive help specifically in the outfield is a must if the Indians want to contend for a world championship in 2020 but could also benefit from another bullpen arm.

While relievers such as Nick Wittgren and James Karinchak have been tremendous in set-up roles, closer Brad Hand has struggled leaving the Indians needing one more arm to shore up the back of their pen.

With the 2020 trade deadline four days away, here is a look at four trades Indians general manager Mike Chernoff could make to improve the teams’ title chances.