Cleveland Indians: Five Indians that could be traded this offseason

The Cleveland Indians are expected to once again cut payroll this offseason, so which five players could be traded by the club lessen the load?

This offseason will be an interesting one for fans of the Cleveland Indians. The team has been able to remain at a highly competitive level for the better part of the last seven years, but the team is reaching a crossroads.

It was already widely known that the Indians were not willing to pay star shortstop Francisco Lindor, or any player for that matter, $30 million or more a season. With that mindset, it seemed clear that Lindor would eventually be traded away from Cleveland. Some thought it would happen last season, but here we are at the conclusion of the 2020 season and Lindor is still in Cleveland.

However, whatever hope fans had left that the Cleveland Indians would pay up probably died with the 2020 season. The loss of revenue around the league is expected to force teams to spend even less than originally anticipated, meaning if the Indians weren’t going to pay Lindor before, they almost definitely won’t now.

In addition, Lindor might not be the only payroll causality this offseason. Lindor was expected to make the most on the roster, assuming the team declines their expensive team options, but anyone on the roster that is making anywhere close to eight figures might be shown the door in an effort to save as much money as possible.

On top of that, the Indians have a few prospects who haven’t quite panned out. Whether it be injuries or just bad runs in the majors, the Tribe could look to get some sort of return on investment before the market is completely dry of any interest.

It seems like anyone on the roster for the Cleveland Indians could be moved this offseason. The direction of the club is a bit unknown, leaving all doors open. However, based on contracts, team control and on-field performance, these five players are the most likely to be moved this offseason.

Francisco Lindor

You can’t talk about the Indians making a trade this offseason and not bring up Francisco Lindor. He isn’t just the name at the top of the list in Cleveland for trades, but more than likely all of baseball as well. Given his high price tag after this coming season, which won’t be cheap either, Lindor will have priced himself out of Cleveland, so if the Indians want anything in return, they need to make it happen now.

During the season, we talked about three dream trades for Lindor and then when the season ended, we came up with four more packages for the star shortstop. There’s no question that he will be the hottest name on the market.

That is in large part thanks to the success of the Dodgers after acquiring Mookie Betts. Betts has been a huge part of the Dodgers’ success this season after they traded for him this past offseason. Betts was in a near identical position as Lindor, so teams that view Betts as the difference in LA could be more interested in landing Lindor.

Should the Indians move Lindor before the start of the 2021 season, they should receive a massive haul for the young star. Lindor has been at the top of the game for a few years now and despite a down year in 2020, he’s still regarded as one of the best shortstops in baseball.

Jose Ramirez

While Lindor is the name circulating the most in trade talks for the Cleveland Indians, Jose Ramirez is quietly making the rounds as well. Rivaling Lindor for the best offensive player on the Indians’ roster, Ramirez could draw just as much in return as Lindor if Cleveland opts to explore the market.

While Ramirez’s deal is considered a bargain for his level of play, he could still become too expensive in the eyes of the Indians’ brass. As I previously wrote in a story especially about trades for Ramirez, his contract will jump to $9.4 million in 2021 and then there are club options for 2022 and 2023 and $12 million and $14 million, respectively.

Thanks to Ramirez’s strong surge at the end of the season that thrust him into the MVP conversation, his price on the trade market might be the highest it has ever been. While Ramirez has been impressive during his time in an Indians’ uniform, the return might be too great to pass up for a team looking to save money and build for the future.

Additionally, the Indians have their No. 1 prospect Nolan Jones who is apparently ready to make the leap to the majors. A third baseman, Jones could make the decision to trade Ramirez that much easier.

Carlos Carrasco

Both Lindor and Ramirez are young enough to draw a high price on the trade market, but that might not necessarily be the case for Carlos Carrasco. Carrasco will be 34-years old when the 2021 season begins, but being a solid starter he could still draw enough interest for the Cleveland Indians to at least think about trading him.

Carrasco is a favorite of both the players and fans and could very easily end his career in Cleveland. The catch, though, is his contract. The Indians only have a few contracts on the books for next year between arbitration, options, etc. However, of what is set in stone for next year Carrasco has the highest price.

During the 2021 season, Carrasco is set to make $12 million. After next year, he has two years left that will cost another $12 million in 2022 and then $14 million in 2023. Paying $38 million to a pitcher that can be replaced and will be 36-years old when his contract ends is a lot for a team attempting to cut payroll.

While most everybody involved with the Indians would like to see Carrasco stay, the reality is that he is expendable. The Indians have plenty of starting pitchers in the minors that can step up at a much cheaper price. Should the Indians hear an offer they like for Carrasco, he could very well be in a different uniform next season.

Jake Bauers

Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays, Jake Bauers was brought in as a rather hot prospect. He wasn’t expected to win any awards, but he was hoped to be the Indians next left fielder and maybe play a bit at first base.

Well, that hasn’t exactly happened and Bauers has been stuck in the minor leagues. The 2021 season could go one of two ways for Bauers in Cleveland. If the Indians part ways with Carlos Santana, then Bauers could step into first base or compete for time in the outfield. The other option is he continues in the minors the way he has in the past, stuck behind other players.

The recent news that the Indians will be trying Nolan Jones at first base and outfield during fall ball should be an indication of Bauers’ future with the Indians. If that isn’t enough, then trading for Josh Naylor this past season, who plays the exact same positions as Bauers, should provide clarification.

The Indians missed on Bauers. They are trying to find players to fill the role that was cut out for him. Now, they can try and receive something in return for him if there’s a team that thinks they can right the ship and get Bauers back on track.