Coming off another season in which their postseason run was cut short, the Cleveland Indians reportedly were open to fielding trade offers for the likes of Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco, among others.
Kluber and Carrasco are both under contract through 2019, while Kluber’s deal includes club options for 2020 and 2021, and Carrasco’s contract holding a team/vesting option for 2020. Both players also have buyouts in their deals.
Of late, Indians starting pitchers and catcher Yan Gomes were said to be the focal point of significant trade interest. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Indians have held trade talks on a variety of possibilities:
#Indians, #Dodgers engaged in “lots of different discussions,” sources tell The Athletic. LA likes CLE SPs and C Yan Gomes also would fit. CLE needs OFers; LAD has Pederson, Puig, Verdugo, plus young catching. Both clubs also talking to others. LAD in mix for #Marlins’ Realmuto.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 21, 2018
As noted, Gomes would appear to be a prime candidate for the Dodgers to target. Yasmani Grandal rejected the qualifying offer, and the Dodgers reportedly are operating under the expectation that he will not be re-signed.
Considering Austin Barnes regressed in 2018, catcher is an area of need for the Dodgers. However, the organization boasts multiple prospects at the position, and Los Angeles therefore is widely believed to be in search of more of a stop-gap option than long-term solution.
Gomes, 31, is signed through next season and his contract includes $2 million buyouts for club options in 2020 and 2021. He’s coming off a sixth season with the Indians and one that was an All-Star campaign.
Although the Dodgers are flush with starting pitcher, Kluber would be a significant boon for their rotation. While not necessarily as impactful, a trade for Carrasco would also be a boost.
