Cleveland Indians should pull the trigger on trade for Bryce Harper
The Cleveland Indians have reportedly discussed trading for All-Star outfielder Bryce Harper. If they want to keep up in the American League, they should pull the trigger.
As the Cleveland Indians begin play on Tuesday’s trade deadline, they will be 16.5 games behind the American League-leading Red Sox. Make no mistake; the Indians are a solid team and are almost guaranteed to make the playoffs. In the AL Central, Cleveland has the luxury of not having to win 110 games to win the division.
While the Indians are a playoff-caliber team, they will likely be the weakest bunch on the AL side of the bracket.
The Red Sox and Yankees are each on pace to win well over 100 games, and the Astros should finish near the century-mark as well. The Indians, on the other hand, are not on pace to crack 90. To make matters worse, the competition is growing tougher.
Boston has traded for Steve Pearce, Ian Kinsler, and Nathan Eovaldi, and they likely are not done. To match them, the Yankees have acquired J.A. Happ, Lance Lynn, and Zach Britton. Like the Red Sox, they probably have a few moves still up their sleeves. Finally, the Astros have traded for Roberto Osuna, Ryan Pressly, and Martin Maldonado.
Needless to say, the AL champion will have earned their spot in the World Series. You never know what will happen in the postseason, but as things currently stand, the Indians are far and away the weakest team in the AL playoff picture.
Cleveland has already bolstered their bullpen by acquiring Brad Hand and Adam Cimber, but they have some work left to do. If they are going to take home the pennant, they need to make a splash.
Fortunately for the Indians, their perfect trade target became available on Monday night. According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Nats are making Bryce Harper available.
Harper is not having his typical MVP-caliber season, but he would still be a worthwhile acquisition. Looking past his batting average, he has been a productive hitter. His 25 homers rank second in the NL, while he leads the league in walks with 84. He has struck out too much, but his .241 BABIP leads you to believe that his average will regress to the mean.
Even in his current form, Harper would make the Indians better. Their outfielders have combined for 2.5 WAR, good for 24th in the majors. Only the Rockies rank lower and have a shot at making the postseason.
The Cleveland Indians right fielders have been exceptionally underwhelming. They have combined for a .724 OPS, which is well below Harper’s .842.
Finally, Harper’s defensive versatility would be beneficial. Lonnie Chisenhall is currently on the disabled list with a calf strain, leaving a hole in right field for now. However, when he returns, Harper could slide over to center field. Although Harper is better-suited for a corner outfield role, he can hold his own in center.
Obviously, Harper would be an excellent fit in Cleveland. After all, who would not want to add a generational talent? The only thing standing in the way is the Nats’ understandably high asking price.
The Nats hope to re-sign Harper this offseason, and trading him away hurts their chances. Because of this, they want a substantial return if they are going to deal him.
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Nobody knows what the Nats have asked for, but there has been some speculation that they would want a package including Triston McKenzie or Shane Bieber. The Indians, on the other hand, would be hesitant to part with either young arm, especially for a rental.
However, with Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Trevor Bauer, and Mike Clevinger each signed at least through 2020 and several promising arms in the farm system, the Indians could afford to part with one McKenzie or Bieber. They have already traded top prospect Francisco Mejia to San Diego; they might as well go all-in and deal one more prospect for one of the game’s best players.
Next. Trading Bryce Harper could improve Nats' playoff odds. dark
Opportunities to acquire someone as talented as Bryce Harper do not come often. If the Cleveland Indians are serious about winning their first World Series title in 70 years, they will make a run for him.