MLB Trade Speculation: Value Deals the Indians Can Make to Go for the Division

Cleveland Indians President Mark Shapiro has made no secret about his club’s intentions as the July 31 trade deadline approaches. Unlike recent years, the Indians will be looking for immediate help in the trade market. And they need it.

The central division race had been a two-team battle between the Indians and the Detroit Tigers for most of the season. But that two-team race is becoming a four-team jam as the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins creep back into contention.

Injuries to outfielders Shin-Soo Choo and Grady Sizemore have left a void in the outfield for the Indians to address, and the starting rotation could use another proven arm.

Although the market for trading players is not nearly as talent-rich as it has been in years past, there are still some players that could help the Indians as the division race intensifies. There are also players the Indians could acquire without digging too deeply into their farm system or pockets.

Here is a list of bargain deals the Indians could make before the trade deadline.  

Ryan Ludwick for a Pitching Prospect

San Diego Padres outfielder Ryan Ludwick’s name has been linked to Indians trade rumors more than anybody else, and he would be valuable filling the vacant spots in their injury-plagued outfield.

With the exception of Michael Brantley, Indians outfielders have struggled at the plate even when healthy this season. Ludwick’s bat would be a welcome addition to the Tribe’s inconsistent lineup, especially playing in the hitter-friendly Progressive Field.

The Cincinnati Reds and Boston Red Sox have also shown interest in the 33-year-old Ludwick. The Indians won’t want to trade too much to get Ludwick, who would likely leave the team after the season.

Injured pitching prospect Scott Barnes or recently-demoted Jeanmar Gomez could be inexpensive trade options for Ludwick.

Josh Willingham for an Offensive Prospect

Oakland Athletics outfielder Josh Willingham is another veteran the Indians are interested in acquiring. With 12 home runs and 47 RBI this season, the right-handed Willingham would provide adequate power for the anemic Cleveland lineup.

But the Indians would need to offer Oakland something other than pitching in order to trade for him. Furthermore, the Indians should be concerned about Willingham’s history with injuries, which they cannot afford to have in the outfield after losing Choo and Sizemore.

The Indians will not trade Lonnie Chisenhall, Jason Kipnis or Ezequiel Carrera, while Austin Kearns and Luis Valbuena are not very enticing offers for the Athletics. Triple-A Columbus outfielder Chad Huffman or Beau Mills of Double-A Akron could be trade options if the Indians deal for Willingham.

Hiroki Kuroda for a Pitcher

Despite a 6-11 record while playing for a chaotic organization, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Hiroki Kuroda has had an outstanding season. The 36-year-old is having the best year of his career with a 3.13 ERA in 2011.

The Tigers and Reds have also shown interest in Kuroda, but the Indians may still be able to acquire him at a favorable rate.

A pitching prospect is their most valuable trade asset for a team with financial problems like the Dodgers. And although many Indians fans would welcome the idea of trading starting pitcher Fausto Carmona, his expiring contract and high ERA don’t make him a viable option in a deal for Kuroda.

Aaron Harang for a Pitching Prospect

Another Padre the Indians could be interested in is pitcher Aaron Harang. Although aiding the depleted outfield is Cleveland’s top priority, their starting pitching could also use some help.

David Huff was impressive in his outing against the Minnesota Twins on Monday, and Justin Masterson and Carlos Carrasco have been solid this season. But Carmona has pitched poorly and Mitch Talbot was recently removed from the starting rotation.

Injured pitcher Alex White is expected to return to the Indians before the end of the season, but there is still plenty of uncertainty about the team’s starting pitching.

Acquiring a veteran like Harang would be a good fall-back option if a pitcher like Kuroda is unavailable. A low-level pitching prospect may be enough to acquire Harang.

However, the Indians should only deal for Harang if they can’t acquire a better pitcher or if he’s offered at a bargain.