Cleveland Indians: Three potential low-cost trade targets for a fifth starter

Three low-cost trade targets for the Cleveland Indians to add a fifth starter

The Cleveland Indians are in a spot that they haven’t been for a few seasons. After sending down Logan Allen, the Tribe are a starter short of a strong rotation. They have prospects to temporarily fill the role, but if players like Sam Hentges can’t fill the void then the front office might have to make a move. While they could sign a free agent, a better option might be a trade if they can find a low-cost target.

To find a trade partner willing to part with a veteran, the Tribe might have to wait a bit longer for the standings to shake out. On top of that, Cleveland won’t be willing to take on any big contracts for a starter spot that they could fill with a variety of prospects. For a front office with such a tight budget, the type of player that could be a candidate will be within a small and specific window. A low-cost veteran from a team that is out of contention and willing to part with a player for maybe only a low-end prospect.

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Looking across baseball, the Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates are two teams that could fall into that window soon. The Detroit Tigers are another candidate, but trading within the division isn’t advised and Detroit doesn’t have anyone that fits into the contract window that the Tribe would prefer. The Atlanta Braves could also be in the mix with a familiar face that currently plays a role in their bullpen.

Should the Cleveland Indians explore the idea of a trade to acquire a fifth starter to help solidify the rotation, then these three players should be on the team’s radar. They are all on inexpensive, short contracts that should allow for low-cost trades as well as being productive in the early going of this season.

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