Cleveland Indians: 5 starting pitchers to target at MLB trade deadline

Cleveland Indians Trade Target #5: Pablo Lopez, Miami Marlins

Admittedly, Pablo Lopez is here for primarily selfish reasons as a pitcher I personally would like to see Cleveland take a swing at, pun intended. He’s just 25-years old, under team control through 2024 and does literally everything very well. His price tag wouldn’t be cheap, and he’s likely a significant part of how the Marlins view their rebuild in the next few seasons, but it couldn’t hurt to kick the tires on him.

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Lopez has made 19 starts this season (one lasting just one pitch) while amassing a 5-5 record with an ERA of 3.03 and a 1.09 WHIP over 101 innings. He also possesses a very impressive 111/25 K/BB this season, but has been plagued by awful run support in his young career with the Marlins. Lopez is 18-21 in his career with an ERA of 4.03, but a whopping 1-15 in games where the Fish have scored 2 or fewer runs. Normally I’d have something witty to say, but that’s just unfortunate.

Lopez utilizes a five pitch mix, but is a rarity that uses his Changeup as his primary pitch, which may be what helps him be so successful. Lopez is a young right-hander, so he’s had a few struggles against left-handed batters (slashing .267.323/.416 against him,) but a lot of those issues can be addressed with time and refining his control and approach.

Again, Lopez is a selfish pick in this slot knowing that Kyle Hendricks is owed way too much over the next few seasons for Cleveland’s liking, but the possibility of it would be thrilling for the remainder of 2021 and beyond. It was also easier to make this decision since there aren’t five pitchers on the market who Cleveland feels they could afford and would improve the team, so back to fantasy land I go.