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

Cleveland Indians Trade Target #3: Kris Bryant, 1B/3B/OF, Chicago Cubs

Of the three players on this list, Kris Bryant might be the least likely to be acquired by the Cleveland Indians. While he checks off a lot of boxes, like position versatility and offensive production, he would most likely be a rental.

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The Tribe have brought in rentals before, whether it be Josh Donaldson or Yasiel Puig. The difference was that Donaldson was a cheap trade and Puig was part of a package deal that welcomed other assets. Bryant would take a bigger offer to acquire on his own and the Cubs won’t want to send multiple players in the same deal unless the return is very high.

Although, a deal to get both Bryant and Hendricks would solve nearly every issue Cleveland currently has. Bryant has played all over the field for Chicago and could slot in as a Marwin Gonzalez-type depth player that starts every day, just in a few different positions. Anywhere in the outfield as well as first are possibilities, giving him the same versatility, if not more, than Gallo. Not to mention that Bryant was formerly a third baseman.

Bryant can also do just about everything at the plate. This year he is slashing .265/.347/.490 with 17 doubles and 16 home runs while accumulating 46 RBI. But again, the issues lie in the price. Both of the trade and the contract.

An All-Star this season, Bryant will be highly touted on the trade market if he’s available. That paired with his $19.5 million contract for the year will be a hard sell to ownership, even if that entire contract won’t be taken on.

If Cleveland was all in for this season, Bryant would be the prime target. That’s not the case, though, making him seem the least likely of the trio. But we didn’t say impossible.