Cleveland Indians: 3 players most likely to be added by trade deadline

Cleveland Indians Trade Target #2: Kyle Gibson, P, Texas Rangers

If the Cleveland Indians want to go the route of a cheaper option, Kyle Gibson might be the choice. A 33-year old veteran, Gibson wouldn’t have as much long-term upside as Marquez, but he would be the better short-term option.

So far this year, Gibson has been the best pitcher on this list with an ERA of 2.13 over 71.2 innings pitched. He’s also been able to strike out 58 batters and walk only 21. What’s even more impressive for Gibson is that number comes after a debut this year that saw him allow five runs in 0.1 innings.

If we do for Gibson what we did for Marquez and take out that one awful start, his numbers become truly incredible. Outside of that one bad start, Gibson has an ERA of 1.51 over 71.1 innings pitched. That mark would have him as the fifth best pitcher in the game for ERA.

Gibson is also a rather affordable option. Being a bit older, his contract was front-loaded meaning that he’s owed a total of $10 million this year before that number drops to $7 million next year.

All-in-all, Gibson is very much within range of what we could see the Tribe target this year at the trade deadline. He’s been a strong and stable starter this year and while his contract would be the most expensive on the team this year, it’s still rather reasonable at $10 million.