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

Tyler Anderson (Pittsburgh Pirates)

If the Cleveland Indians are stuck on having a left-handed pitcher in the rotation this year then Tyler Anderson might be the player to target in a trade. Like the Rockies, the Pittsburgh Pirates are already well behind the eight-ball for the postseason with odds below 0.1% after just a month of play.

Like Gray, Anderson is in the last year of his deal and is set to become a free agent this upcoming offseason meaning the Pirates could watch him walk unless they move him during the season. With a price tag of just $2.5 million, the 31-year old lefty might be the perfect fit for the fifth spot in the Tribe’s rotation.

So far this season, Anderson has tossed 33.1 innings over six starts for the Pirates with a 2-3 record. While Anderson’s ERA is a bit higher than Gray’s at 3.24, his WHIP is a few ticks lower at 1.14 thanks to just 11 walks so far this season while striking out 31.

Anderson has turned into a bit of a journeyman, currently on his third team in three seasons. That might grow to four teams in three years if he continues to pitch well on a team that is looking out of contention already.

Next: Josh Tomlin