Cleveland Indians: 5 trade deadline packages to help starting rotation

5 trade packages to help Cleveland Indians starting rotation

With less than a week left in June we’re just about a month away from the 2021 MLB trade deadline on July 30. While it was previously believed that the Cleveland Indians might try to get through the deadline without a deal to save money and assets, recent injuries to the team’s starting rotation could force their hand.

Even before the injuries took down three of the Tribe’s five starting pitchers from Opening Day, the other two were sent down to the minors following rough starts to the season. With no remaining starters on the roster from April 1 at the moment, the front office might need to strike a deal as soon as possible to bring in more arm talent for the starting rotation.

The team has made the effort to fill the voids with prospects, but the difficult schedule that July brings could be too much for the young group. Eventually, the Tribe’s 2016 MLB Draft class trio of Shane Bieber, Aaron Civale and Zach Plesac will all be back, but even then the team will still be two starters shy of a full rotation.

Perhaps two of the prospects emerge as potential answers. A few have shown flashes, but consistency has lacked across the board. For a team that is in playoff contention, and keep in mind that despite the injuries the Cleveland Indians are, that won’t cut it down the stretch. If the Tribe are serious about playing into October, then more proven starting pitching has to be added.

The team doesn’t necessarily have to add two arms. Most times a starting rotation is cut down to four late in the season, so adding just one pitcher could suffice and leavie the other spot up for grabs amongst the prospects for the time being.

Finding an expiring contract that could be a bit easier to acquire shouldn’t be difficult. The question will be if the Tribe are willing to pay the price, both in terms of the trade and taking on the contract.