Cleveland Indians: 3 trade targets who could shock Tribe fan base

Cleveland Indians Trade Target #1: Kyle Hendricks, SP, Chicago Cubs

One player that the Cleveland Indians have been paired to in rumors is Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks. The fit would make sense. Cleveland is in need of additional starting pitching while the Cubs have shown their hand to be sellers at the deadline after sending Joc Peterson to Atlanta.

Now, Hendricks will take a bit more prying than Peterson to acquire, but he would be well worth it. He has a major-league leading 12 wins so far this season and his ERA of 3.65 would instantly become one of the best in the Tribe’s starting rotation.

However, the most intriguing part of Hendricks is his contract. At 31-years old, Hendricks is signed on for three more seasons after 2021. They are a bit more expensive with 2022 and 2023 priced at $14 million before it goes up to $16 million in 2024, but that would be strong investment.

Hendricks would become the most expensive player on the roster for Cleveland, but having a fourth sturdy starter moving forward would go a long way. Plus, the team is saving a ton of money on the other three making this seem like a lesser blow.

Adding Hendricks would shore up the starting rotation for at least the next year. Beyond that the front office could opt to move Hendricks again once more prospects are ready or stick with him until his contract is up. Either way, it seems like a smart move if the Cubs are listening to offers for him.