Cleveland Indians: Three trade possibilities for Jose Ramirez

Cleveland deals with familiar trade partner

In the other two trades the Indians received three players, but here they just receive two. That’s in large part because both players are in the Rangers’ top three prospects currently.

The Cleveland Indians and Texas Rangers made a deal last offseason that for the most part didn’t do anything for either club in 2020. The Rangers’ return was injured while the Indians’ main player was suspended. Hopefully, this deal would show better results.

The first player in return to Cleveland for Jose Ramirez would be the Rangers’ No. 1 prospect and third basemen Josh Jung. The eighth pick of the 2019 MLB Draft, Jung has experience at both third and shortstop, meaning he could play next to Nolan Jones or take third if Jones is comfortable over at first.

Playing just 44 games in the minors after getting drafted, Jung slashed .316/.389/.443 over that span and is still projected to make his debut sometime during the 2021 season. However, the Indians would have enough players that Jung would be allowed all the time he needed to be ready to make the jump.

The second player in the deal is the No. 3 prospect for Texas, outfielder Leody Taveras who made his debut this past season in July. Playing in 33 games, Taveras drew 14 walks and stole eight bases while belting four home runs. His slash line, specifically his average, still needs some work, but the rest of his stats make up for it.