MLB Trade Rumors: Cleveland Indians to Acquire Cubs' Kosuke Fukudome

After the Cleveland Indians offense hit a season low yesterday, getting no-hit by the Angels Ervin Santana, it would look as though GM Chris Antonetti has finally found some much needed help in the Tribe outfield.

Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal has reported early this morning that the Indians are finalizing a deal to acquire Chicago Cubs' outfielder Kosuke Fukudome in exchange for two prospects, reportedly "one upper level and one lower level." It is also being reported that Chicago will pay the majority of the $4.7 million remaining on Fukudome's contract, which would justify a higher level prospect.

Fukudome, 34, is currently batting .273 in 293 at bats for the Cubs this year with 15 doubles, three HRs, and 13 RBIs. He may not bring power to the Indians' lineup but will surely improve the current platoon of Travis Buck and Austin Kearns who have a combined four HRs and 24 RBIs on the year.

The deal is expected to be completed by the Cubs 1:10 pm game-time (Central) this afternoon.

Many in Cleveland would have liked to see the Indians make a sexier deal than the one for Fukudome, but you can't blame the Tribe front office for lack of effort. They have been reportedly linked to every big player currently on the market from Carlos Beltran to Ubaldo Jimenez.

ESPN's Buster Olney reported yesterday that the Indians were willing to pay the remainder of Beltran's contract which is more than six million dollars as well as throwing in one of their top prospects. Rumor has it that Beltran's agent, Scott Boras, wanted his client on a higher profile team, a la the San Francisco Giants.

Stay tuned Indians' fans as GM Chris Antonetti isn't finished just yet. Whether that will turn into another deal remains to be seen.