Cleveland Indians: 3 players the Tribe should trade, but no team wants

Austin Hedges, C, Cleveland Indians

So far this season the Cleveland Indians have received nearly no offensive production from the catcher position, no matter who is behind the plate. The team’s best shot to get something at the plate from the slot lies with Roberto Perez who showcased his ability during the 2019 season with 24 home runs. Beyond Perez, it’s basically the same result with a different name attached.

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For that reason, Austin Hedges might be expendable in the eyes of Cleveland’s front office. While Rene Rivera and Ryan Lavarnway have moved on, the Tribe did add Wilson Ramos. Ramos is just as steady defensively as Hedges and the offensive production is probably a bit better as well. Not by much, but just enough that trading Hedges would be worth it.

Cleveland got Hedges as part of the Mike Clevinger trade last season, so moving him via trade isn’t impossible. The only problem is that his numbers are somehow worse this year than last.

If there’s a team out there that is in dire need of a defensive catcher, than Hedges is the perfect fit, but how often are teams looking for that? Rarely do teams get a lot of offensive production from the catcher position, but they like to have stats above the Mendoza line at least. While moving Hedges makes sense for Cleveland, finding him a landing spot won’t be as easy. The move for him might be down to Columbus.