Trade Deadline Preview: Cleveland Indians

Jun 20, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Will Venable (25) follows through on a swing in the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Who could be targeted:

1. Will Venable

Venable’s production at the plate is down this year after a solid 2013 season, but he could bring value to the Indians bench with his experience pinch hitting and his ability to handle all three outfield positions. San Diego is known to be shopping almost every player on their roster and Venable is one that likely won’t cost a great deal in terms of prospects. He’ll have one more year of team control left as well, meaning he wouldn’t be a strict rental for the remainder of the season.

2. Jacob deGrom or Dillon Gee

The Mets are one of many teams that have been connected to Cabrera repeatedly and they would appear to have pitching to spare. Could flipping Cabrera for a young starter make sense for the Indians? Either deGrom or Gee would help lengthen the Indians rotation and it would also give the team another internal option next year assuming that they let Masterson walk via free agency at season’s end.

3. Mike Carp

Cleveland’s production at first base has been limited all season. Nick Swisher is struggling at the plate, Santana hasn’t fared much better, and Giambi has been hurt. Carp could help resolve some of that, provided he’s able to pick things up himself. He also could help out the bench and backup in the outfield. Boston has been dealing with their own struggles but with Carp getting close to returning from the DL there doesn’t appear to be a logical place for him to step in and make an impact given the other options on the active roster. He wouldn’t be a flashy pickup for Cleveland, but he could be one that would help in multiple ways.