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2018 Trade Deadline

Do Not Sell My Personal Information
I think it's clear the Indians will add a reliever or two, and there will be no shortage of potential options.

Raisel Iglesias - There's been no indication that the Reds want to deal him, but if you're the Reds, why wouldn't you? Iglesias is 28, signed through 2020, and is low-cost, owed $4.5 M this year and $5 M each of the next two seasons. Iglesias/Miller/Allen would be downright scary, and he'd soften the blow if both Allen/Miller leave this winter.

Brad Hand - Hand is only 28 and locked in through 2021. He's an elite LH reliever who, like Iglesias, would help both short and long term.

Zach Britton - In the final year of his deal and almost certain to be traded. He's expected back by June, so he'll have an opportunity to prove he's healthy. If he is, he's one of the best in the game.

Brad Brach - Also a free agent at the end of the season, Brach is one of the most underrated relievers in the game.

Kelvin Herrera - Another soon-to-be free agent, Herrera has been absolutely dominant early on.

Joakim Soria - He isn't elite anymore, but he's a solid relief arm that probably won't cost much in July. Free agent this winter.

Nate Jones - Jones is a fantastic reliever that has never been able to stay healthy. A free agent this winter on a non-contender, he likely wouldn't cost a ton.

Other Possibilities: Jim Johnson, Peter Moylan, A.J. Ramos, Brad Ziegler, Jerry Blevins

If the Tribe can either land Iglesias or Hand by July, then I'll feel infinitely better about the state of the bullpen for this season and for the next couple years. Cincinnati may not want to deal Iglesias, but they have no choice but to start selling for the future. San Diego will ask for the moon and stars for Hand like they did last season, so you have to wonder if Antonetti and Chernoff would be willing to surrender the prospects the Padres will be demanding.
 
Look at some bullpen guys who could become available:


Teams out of it:
Kelvin Herrera - Royals
Brad Brach - Orioles
Blake Treinan - A's
Raisel Iglesias - Reds (DL)
Brad Hand (L) - Padres

Not out of it, but not in it:
Seunghwan Oh - Toronto
Tyler Clippard - Toronto
Sergio Romo - Tampa Bay
Nate Jones - White Sox


Of this list, I think Treinan would be the ideal fit and most expensive. His stuff is witchcraft, but he's signed through 2021 and could become the heir apparent in the bullpen after this year.

I'd absolutely see what the price is.
 
Look at some bullpen guys who could become available:


Teams out of it:
Kelvin Herrera - Royals
Brad Brach - Orioles
Blake Treinan - A's
Raisel Iglesias - Reds (DL)
Brad Hand (L) - Padres

Not out of it, but not in it:
Seunghwan Oh - Toronto
Tyler Clippard - Toronto
Sergio Romo - Tampa Bay
Nate Jones - White Sox


Of this list, I think Treinan would be the ideal fit and most expensive. His stuff is witchcraft, but he's signed through 2021 and could become the heir apparent in the bullpen after this year.

I'd absolutely see what the price is.

I'd be surprised if the A's were sellers

They have a nice young core, and are actually winning games (26-24)

Even if they aren't really in contention, I believe they'd like to keep this group together considering they have them all locked up for numerous years.
 
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Some guys that pique my interest outside of AZ's compilation:

Tony Cingrani - LA, one year of arbitration remaining

Kirby Yates - SD, two years of arbitration remaining

Joakim Soria - CWS, due $9 million this year with a $1 million buyout for next year

Amir Garrett - CIN, team control through 2023, but a top 100 prospect as of a year ago

Tony Watson - SF, $3 million/year through 2021

Matt Andriese - TB, 3 years of arbitration remaining
 
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Look at some bullpen guys who could become available:


Teams out of it:
Kelvin Herrera - Royals
Brad Brach - Orioles
Blake Treinan - A's
Raisel Iglesias - Reds (DL)
Brad Hand (L) - Padres

Not out of it, but not in it:
Seunghwan Oh - Toronto
Tyler Clippard - Toronto
Sergio Romo - Tampa Bay
Nate Jones - White Sox


Of this list, I think Treinan would be the ideal fit and most expensive. His stuff is witchcraft, but he's signed through 2021 and could become the heir apparent in the bullpen after this year.

I'd absolutely see what the price is.

I would sacrifice one of my own hands to have Brad Hand in this bullpen, especially after being forced to witness the Neil Ramirez Experience in person last night.
 
Hanley Ramirez was just DFA'ed. Was in the proximity of JD Martinez this year.
 
I'd take anybody over Kipnis right now that has an .315 OBP, and we're talking 80 points higher in the average department as well.

But Hanley hasn't played 3rd base year in 3 years.
 
I'd take anybody over Kipnis right now that has an .315 OBP, and we're talking 80 points higher in the average department as well.

But Hanley hasn't played 3rd base year in 3 years.

Hanley isn't a fit with Edwin/Alonso already in place.
 
Baltimore is an intriguing trade partner in a lot of ways. The obvious being Machado, but even beyond him - Adam Jones, Zach Britton, and Brad Brach are all players that could help the Indians. The O's are really, really bad too - so they'll definitely be selling all on four.
 
Adam Jones has been hitting very well since the beginning of May. My concern with him is he's having an awful defensive year and he doesn't draw walks. If he's in a cold streak, he's really going to kill you. I'm not sure how relevant it is, but his career splits in Sept/Oct are significantly worse than any other month and his postseason splits are terrible, granted only 63 PAs. I do have some interest if the price is right since our CF position has a lot of question marks, but I'm definitely not sold on Jones.

While looking at his defensive metrics, also came across Brantley's defensive metrics and they're pretty terrible.
 
Adam Jones has been hitting very well since the beginning of May. My concern with him is he's having an awful defensive year and he doesn't draw walks. If he's in a cold streak, he's really going to kill you. I'm not sure how relevant it is, but his career splits in Sept/Oct are significantly worse than any other month and his postseason splits are terrible, granted only 63 PAs. I do have some interest if the price is right since our CF position has a lot of question marks, but I'm definitely not sold on Jones.

While looking at his defensive metrics, also came across Brantley's defensive metrics and they're pretty terrible.

Agreed that I am iffy...I'd consider a mid-tier prospect for him.

My #1 target is Raisel Iglesias.
 
Ottavino Watch:

The Rockies were 30-26 at the end of May and had a 1.5 game lead in the NL West. They're now 34-36, 3rd in the NL West, and 4.5 GB in the division and wild card. Just badly blew a game to the Rangers (up 10-6 in the 7th, then 12-9 in the 9th) with key contributions from their $106m offseason bullpen trio, who allowed 6 earned runs

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Also, I'd be surprised to see the Indians outsource their problem at 2B, but if the Rockies are indeed selling, I would be interested in LeMahieu
 
Also, I'd be surprised to see the Indians outsource their problem at 2B, but if the Rockies are indeed selling, I would be interested in LeMahieu

I'd take him for cheap, and he's better than what Kipnis has shown this year, but he's really not that good either.

Average bat, good glove.
 

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