3 Players Indians Need to Trade if They're Out of Contention at the Deadline

The Cleveland Indians have a major decision to make soon in regards to the future of the franchise. Having previously come so close to World Series contention, the Tribe took a step back in 2019 and are now forced to consider a rebuild. Should 2020 get off to a slow start in Cleveland and the team falls out of contention, the Indians need to capitalize on the value of these three players and offload them for prospects.

3. Carlos Santana

Carlos Santana moved back to Cleveland and had himself a triumphant return, launching 34 homers and logging a .911 OPS. That type of production was living proof that the veteran is still at the top of his game, and if he can start 2020 in a similar fashion there could be quite the market for his services at the deadline. Santana turns 34 in early April and if the Tribe opts to rebuild, he'll be one of the first players they look to move.

2. Brad Hand

Brad Hand's name, as with any talented reliever on a middling team, is frequently brought up in trade talks. Virtually every contending club looks to fortify its bullpen at the deadline, so the Indians will likely be fielding a ton of calls for the left-hander. He's got a club option on his contract for the 2021 season, so the Indians should capitalize on the amount of control remaining on his deal and offload him for a haul of prospects.

1. Francisco Lindor

The face of the franchise may not be donning an Indians uniform by the start of next year. Mr. Smile has expressed interest in remaining in Cleveland, but the organization refuses to commit to the star shortstop. If they won't pony up with a new contract extension, it's time to bite the bullet and move the 26-year-old to one of the many teams that would be interested in him this season. He's a game-changer, but the Tribe's front office just doesn't seem as invested in him as he is in the city.