A deal is reportedly in place that would send Cubs outfielder Kosuke Fukudome to the Indians.
In return for Fukudome, the Cubs would receive a pair of minor league prospects. It’s being reported that the players going to the Cubs will be outfielder Abner Abreu and reliever Carlton Smith.
Chicago would also be kicking in $3.9 million to offset Fukudome’s remaining salary, which only leaves the Indians on the hook for $775 thousand.
It appears that the only thing holding the deal up is Fukudome’s no-trade clause. While the 34 year old is not expected to veto a move, he is looking for some compensation for allowing the deal to go through given the fact that Cleveland is one of the 15 teams on his no-trade list.
Cleveland has been very vocal about their interest in outfielders this summer, as Grady Sizemore and Shin-Soo Choo are both on the disabled list.
On the year Fukudome has put up a line of .273/.374/.369 for the Cubs. Although he may not provide crazy power, Fukudome has shown a great ability to reach base. Over his career he’s gotten on at a clip of .369.
Cleveland has struggled offensively all season, and with injuries their outfield production has been especially bad.
Even with this deal yet to be made official, the Indians are said to be looking for other ways to improve their club through trade. Reports say that Cleveland may still be in the market for an outfielder after they finalize their deal for Fukudome.
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