Milwaukee Brewers
***Indians also get OF Tyrone Taylor***
Like the Cleveland Indians, the Brewers are also a small market team although they are willing to spend which can be seen by Christian Yelich getting $215 million extension last offseason.
The Brewers haven’t had a major league caliber shortstop in a long time and Lindor would give them just that. As the Brewers risk losing Lindor after one year, they get two pitchers they can control and can add to their weak pitching staff.
Adam Plutko has experience both starting and relieving and can be controlled until 2024. Phil Maton can be controlled for one less season than Plutko and can be a reliable bullpen piece.
The Indians get someone who can fill Lindor’s void right away in Orlando Arcia. He’s expected to make about $3.25 million for the 2021 season which is a reasonable and cheap price that the Indians can pay.
They would also be able to get four prospects that they can add to their cupboard. While not the best quality, they get quantity in this deal.
Tristan Lutz has compiled a .260/.339/.442 slash line in three minor league seasons and has the potential to be a five tool player.
Aaron Ashby has complied a 3.53 ERA over two minor league seasons with 201 strikeouts. His offspeed pitches, especially his slider, are viewed as plus pitches that can get major league hitters out.
While Corey Ray strikes out a ton, he has power (27 home runs in 2018) and can really run which makes him a solid defensive player that can play centerfield for the Indians.
In 37 major league games over two seasons, Tyrone Taylor has slashed .271/.340/.521 and can play anywhere in the outfield.
While none of the players the Cleveland Indians will get in return will make a huge impact, they go for the quantity over quality here.