Cleveland Indians five-point checklist for the month of July

Make one significant trade before the deadline

The Cleveland Indians have yet to show their hand for what they might do at the trade deadline, which is now rapidly approaching at the end of July. The worst thing that might be on the table is the team doesn’t make a move at all.

The Tribe have been cheap in the past, but this season seems to be taking it to the next level. What the front office and ownership can’t do is sacrifice what has turned into a surprisingly strong season to save a few bucks. We’re not calling for them to sell the farm for a bag of magic beans, but do something productive at the trade deadline.

The past seasons have witnessed the team cut payroll by adding pieces for the future. The odds of that this year are slim since there’s basically no payroll to cut. Maybe this time the tables turn and the team moves a prospect or two for an immediate impact player on an affordable deal.

There’s definitely areas on the field that could use such an improvement, like the injury battered starting rotation and now weakened outfield. If the Tribe can find a player on an affordable contract that can be traded for at a reasonable price, they need to make the call and get the deal done to help this team down the stretch.