Shane Bieber, Cleveland Indians. (Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports)
Despite having a winning record, the Cleveland Indians could be sellers at the trade deadline.
Even with a 45-42 record at the All-Star Break, the Cleveland Indians could potentially be sellers at the upcoming trade deadline later this month.
While that mark could have them within striking distance of the New York Mets in the NL East, too bad Cleveland plays in the AL Central. Cleveland trails the Chicago White Sox by eight games in the division standings. With a rebuild coming at some point, it might serve them to sell high on a few marquee assets at the deadline. They have several key contributors who become available soon.
Here are three very intriguing trade assets Cleveland might put on the block later this summer.
Cleveland Indians: 3 star players who could be available at the trade deadline
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Shane Bieber
RHP Cleveland Indians
All-Star Shane Bieber would fetch Cleveland easily the biggest offer in return
Would Cleveland seriously consider putting its best player on the trading block? While it would be very difficult for Cleveland to trade their right-handed ace Shane Bieber at the deadline, they know he would get them the most compensation in return. The 26-year-old is a two-time All-Star and won the AL Cy Young a year ago. He is arbitration eligible each of the next three offseasons.
And that is where it gets tricky. Bieber will be under a very manageable contract for the next 3.5 MLB seasons. Though he will not be testing free agency until his age-30 season out of UC-Santa Barbara, Cleveland cannot sell short on its best trade asset. While the have dealt excellent pitchers before in Trevor Bauer and Mike Clevinger most recently, Bieber is at the apex with his trade value.
Trading Bieber signifies it will be a full-scale rebuild in Cleveland. With a rebrand coming, we have to wonder how much of this year’s team will be around when that day comes. Bieber is a front-line starter going forward, but again, Cleveland is never going to be able to get better trade value for its ace than right now. If somebody is willing to give up the farm for him, it must be considered.
Despite his injured shoulder, many teams could want Bieber, but Cleveland must not panic here.