MLB Trade Rumors: 6 Players You Could See in an Indians Jersey

With the trade deadline now less then one week away, the Cleveland Indians are hard at work trying to add the finishing touches to their team.

The Indians need a right-handed bat in order to add production to their slumping offense.  Also the Indians will look to add a veteran starting pitcher that can solidify their rotation.

There are names on the trade market right now that people would love to see in an Indians uniform, but realistically some do not have a chance ending up in Cleveland.  

Names like Carlos Beltran and Hunter Pence are out of the mix because the price is just to much for what the Indians are willing to pay.  Jeff Francoeur and Melky Cabrera have been made to seem unavailable because the Royals have them in their plans for the future.

The talent is still out there for the Indians to explore.  

Lets take a look who could be the next member of the Tribe...

Coco Crisp of the Oakland Athletics

Yes that's right, fan favorite by name Coco Crisp could be returning to Cleveland for his second stint.  Rumors have linked this speedy outfielder to the Indians and he could make Progressive Field his new home, again.

I was a little sceptical reading about bringing Crisp back in, but he would be a great top of the lineup guy.  He gets on base hitting a solid .270, and gets himself over with 27 stolen bases giving others great opportunities to drive him in.

Crisp does not put up gaudy numbers, meaning he would not be someone who would put the Indians over the top, but it would create the possibility to do so. 

The Indians have the chance to bring in an opportunity maker, and within the next week we will find out if a reunion is in store. 

BJ Upton of the Tampa Bay Rays

BJ Upton has been one of the newer names added as possible targets of the Cleveland Indians.  The Tampa Bay Rays have made it clear in the last few days that the Upton era may be coming to a close for them.

Upton is only batting only .229 but he has solid power with 15 home runs and 52 RBI, he also gets around  on the bases well with 23 stolen bases on the year.

BJ would be a great mid or top of the lineup guy.  His average is a little down this year, but his power is way up.  Upton is a tremendous athlete, still only 26 years old and under contract through the 2012 season.

The asking price for Upton is said to be fairly low which is something the Indians are looking for.  Expect the Upton rumors to only get stronger and stronger in the coming days before the July 31st trade deadline.  

Josh Willingham of the Oakland Atheltics

Josh Willingham has been one of the names thrown the Indians way in the time counting down till the trade deadline, and could soon be the new arrival in Cleveland.

Willingham is having a steady year offensively batting .241 with 13 home runs and 50 RBI.  His production could fit him in the middle of the Indians lineup around fifth or sixth where the production really drops for the Tribe.  

The addition of a veteran guy like Willingham would be a good step forward getting the Indians offence back on track.  Do not be surprised to see Willingham on an Indians jersey in the coming week.

Ryan Ludwick of the San Diego Padres

Ryan Ludwick's name has been linked to the Indians several times the past few days.  The two clubs have been in contact with one another but that has been the extent of the talks, which are just that for now.

So far this season, Ludwick is batting .241 with 11 HRs and 61 RBI.  A big statistic you can look at their is the amount of RBI he has produced, and with the Indians struggling offense, a bat that can produce those numbers would be a great addition.

Ludwick, a former Indian from 2003-2005, would be able to come in and help both offensively and defensively, being a great improvement over Austin Kearns and Travis Buck.

By this time next week, Ryan Ludwick may very well be the newest Cleveland Indian. 

Hiroki Kuroda of the Los Angeles Dodgers

The Indians are looking to add a veteran arm into their starting rotation and they may have to look no further then Hiroki Kuroda of the Los Angeles Dodgers.  

Kuroda this year has put up a career best 3.19 this year to go along with 97 SO, his record is deceiving at 6-12 but that is due to the lackluster Dodger lineup. 

With the addition of Kuroda's veteran arm the Indians could really fill the uncertainty of their starting rotation.  There is however a catch with Kuroda, his contract contain a full no-trade clause which means he has the power to accept or decline any trade that he is in.  

If all plays out well for the Tribe, Kuroda could be joining Wahoo baseball and the push for the postseason.  

Aaron Harang of the San Diego Padres

Aaron Harang is having a comeback year for the San Diego Padres and could be soon carrying that over to the Cleveland Indians.  

After struggling the past three seasons with in-state rival Cincinnati Reds, Harang has pitched very solid this season with a 3.29 ERA and 70 SO to go along with an 8-2 record.

Harang is definitely someone for the Indians to consider after having a bounce-back year.  He could put some much need stability into the back half of the Indians rotation.

Harang would not cost much and would be a quality pick-up for the Tribe.  By the end of the week, Harang could very well be part of the young and hopeful Indians ballclub.