Cleveland Indians: 2 Mariners trade targets to watch this series

Potential Cleveland Indians Trade Target #2: Yusei Kikuchi, SP

While a move for Haniger makes sense in more ways than one, a move for Yusei Kikuchi would take some convincing. Kikuchi’s contract is a bit hefty for what Cleveland would probably like to pay and he isn’t having the best season. However, that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be an upgrade and it might even take less to get him due to the negatives.

We’ll start with the negatives, specifically the price. Kikuchi is owed a total of $16.5 million this season and that won’t drop much for the duration of his contract that could last as long as through the 2025 season. Now, every year after this one is a club option, so the Tribe could cut ties whenever. Knowing this front office and their mission to save money, that would probably be the route after one-year, making him a rental for the club.

Statistically, Kikuchi is having his best year yet in Major League Baseball. Tossing 66.2 innings, he’s riding an ERA of 4.05 with 69 strikeouts and 20 walks. After allowing 15 runs over his first four starts, Kikuchi has settled in a bit, making his ERA a bit inflated than his recent ability.

The Cleveland Indians will get a close look at Kikuchi on Saturday. While his stats don’t necessarily match the price, if the trade price is low enough he could be a decent rental for the Tribe.