Cleveland Indians: 5 trade deadline packages to help starting rotation

Cleveland Indians add Andrew Heaney

Of the trades we’ve talked about thus far, this one might make the most sense for both sides. For the Los Angeles Angels, all the catchers on their 40-man roster are 30-years old or older and they don’t have a catcher on their Top 30 prospect list.

As for the Cleveland Indians, they’ve consistently kept a left-handed starting pitcher in the rotation this season for the first time in a long time. With Andrew Heaney being on a one-year deal worth less than $7 million for the full season, it could be a perfect fit.

This year Heaney has really had the definition of an up-and-down season. He’s had two scoreless starts this year, but has also allowed five runs or more on three different occasions as well. However, he’s also struck out 10 batters three times, including seven or more strikeouts in three of his last four starts.

Being 30-years old, there’s still a decent amount of potential for Heaney as well. His best season was back in 2015, so there’s a chance of him re-signing on a cheap deal if he were to be dealt at the deadline. If all it would take is a catcher, which the Tribe have two of on their Top 30 list, then it’s definitely something to explore.