Trade Deadline Preview: Cleveland Indians
By Aaron Somers
Apr 12, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Cleveland Indians relief pitcher John Axford (44) delivers a pitch during the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox at U.S Cellular Field. Cleveland won 12-6. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Who could be moved:
Cabrera’s name has been believed to be on the market for much of the past season+ but the Indians have never come close to moving him. He’ll be a free agent at season’s end and the belief is that Francisco Lindor will be ready (if he’s not already) to take over at shortstop moving forward. Do the Indians pull the trigger on a deal now to move him? The return may not be substantial, but it’s better than letting him walk for nothing considering his performance likely doesn’t justify giving him a qualifying offer at the risk of having him back for one more year.
With two years and $27.5 Million remaining on his contract (plus a vesting option that could be worth another $12 Million) moving Bourn won’t be easy. He’s hitting the ball relatively well, but the speed that was once his calling card appears to have completely vanished. Bourn averaged 39 stolen bases a year before signing with the Indians and has managed to steal just 30 bases in total since arriving in Cleveland. He’s also working walks at a lower rate, but still can provide some solid defense in center field. If the Indians fall further back in the coming weeks, he could be worth putting on the market but the team will likely have to pay a portion of that salary in order to help get a decent return.
3. John Axford
Relief pitchers are always a hot commodity at the trade deadline and this year will be no different. Axford, despite having years of team control left via arbitration, could be a piece that would appeal to other clubs. He may have lost his job as closer in Cleveland and is walking batters at a high rate (6.8 BB/9) but he has experience in high leverage innings. He also may be a reasonable cost for another club to acquire. The Indians don’t figure to put him back into the closer’s role, but he could help another contender lengthen their bullpen in the right role.