Indians Rumors: Tribe open to trading Danny Salazar

According to the latest Cleveland Indians rumors, the Tribe is willingly listening to offers for pitcher Danny Salazar. Will they pull the trigger?

The Cleveland Indians aren’t quite ready to tear apart their roster. However, this offseason could see a few familiar faces depart. Including long-time second baseman Jason Kipnis, pitcher Danny Salazar has been mentioned in Hot Stove Indians rumors.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that the Indians are “open” to trading Salazar. This doesn’t mean anything is imminent. By making him available though, Cleveland sends a message about how willing they are to add talent in other areas.

For several years, the Indians have been a team known for their pitching. Ace Corey Kluber has regularly been among the best in baseball. Additionally, Carlos Carrasco has been a significant number two during this promising era of baseball in Cleveland. They’ve had other contributions as well, including Salazar.

When healthy, Salazar has provided the Indians with an excellent mid-rotation option. He’ll likely never grow into a Cy Young candidate, but he can still deliver some terrific outings. Armed with the ability to strike out batters regularly, he has the stuff to get anyone out.

Salazar was at his best in 2015 when he finished the season 14-10 with a 3.45 ERA. Although the 9.5 strikeouts per nine is a career-low, the campaign included his lowest ERA to date. That same year, Salazar posted other bests. Most notably, it’s the only season where he managed to reach 30 starts.

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Yes, the injury bug has bitten Salazar during the last two years. He made 25 starts in 2016 and 19 in 2017. Manager Terry Francona also used Salazar in relief a few times in what was a hardship season for the 27-year-old righty. Not only did Salazar lose his spot in the rotation, but he also posted a career-worst 4.28 ERA. Next, he could lose his locker in Cleveland.

Many teams should have interest in Salazar. He is just now entering his arbitration years, making him a controllable asset. If not in the starting rotation, Salazar may eventually reinvent himself as a setup man or closer. With the stuff he has, Salazar should always have a spot on a big league ball club.

While Salazar may eventually move to a relief role, I don’t see it happening quite yet in any city other than Cleveland. Until he can prove himself as a reliever, Salazar’s value comes as a starter.

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If these Indians rumors are true and they decide to hold onto Salazar for 2018, we may see him find a new spot alongside Andrew Miller and closer Cody Allen. The loss of Bryan Shaw to free agency this offseason further opens up room for him to slide into the new gig.