Cleveland Indians: 3 players on MLBTR top 40 trade list to target

Cleveland Indians trade target Mitch Haniger #17 of the Seattle Mariners (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
Cleveland Indians trade target Mitch Haniger #17 of the Seattle Mariners (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Indians, Tyler Anderson, Pittsburgh Pirates
Cleveland Indians trade target Tyler Anderson #31 of the Pittsburgh Pirates (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

3 players on MLBTR top 40 trade list for the Cleveland Indians to target

This past week, MLB Trade Rumors released their Top 40 Trade Candidates list. While Major League Baseball’s trade deadline is still a little shy of two months away, the talks and rumors are already starting to pick up. The Cleveland Indians didn’t have any players named on the list that could be departing the team, but there are a few options for the team to add.

Up to this point in the season Cleveland holds a record of 31-25, leaving the team three games out of first in the American League Central and in control of one of the Wild Card spots. Given that the team is still well within contention, there’s a chance that the Tribe could be in the market for a deadline deal. The questions will be what are they looking for and how much are they willing to spend?

The success for Cleveland might not feel like true success. Sure, they have a winning record but the ups-and-downs of the season have taken their toll. The offensive productions has been inconsistent and the starting pitching is in a near identical boat. The early soul-searching paired with a handful of injuries has revealed some of the team’s weaknesses. Nevertheless, they are still competing at a high level and are among the top five teams in the AL.

To get over the hump and find some consistency the Cleveland Indians might need to make a move at the deadline. However, this ownership group and front office isn’t exactly known for spending big. Moves in the last couple seasons have sent out bigger contracts while bringing in prospect talent. Those types of moves work when you have minor leaguers ready to step up, but the Tribe are now in the position to add players who can contribute now, which usually means a higher price both in contracts and outgoing talent.

If the Tribe wants to add players without breaking the bank, these three players might be at the top of their list for moves to make at the trade deadline.