5. Cleveland Indians trade for Johnny Cueto
Much like their 2016 World Series opponent, the Indians are having a disappointing season. It hasn’t been catastrophic, but it has left a lot to be desired. After an abysmal start to the year, Danny Salazar has been removed from the starting rotation, which ranks 25th in baseball with a 4.89 ERA. The Indians need an upgrade.
That’s where Cueto comes in. Cueto has dealt with some inconsistency this year but would slide beautifully into the No. 3 slot behind Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco.
.@JohnnyCueto was strong today, racking up 8 Ks to help lift the #SFGiants to a series win over Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/VVaCxpb1w5
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) May 28, 2017
The fit doesn’t stop there.
Cueto made it clear in April that he wanted to finish his career in the American League. The Giants don’t play in the American League. The Indians do. Given that he can opt out of his contract with San Francisco at the end of the year, the Giants have to wonder how long he’ll be with the team anyway.
Additionally, Cleveland has prospects that can help San Francisco. While the Giants have done a fantastic job developing infielders, their outfield development has been terrible. Four of the Indians top-10 prospects are outfielders.
If the two teams can just put them together, the pieces for a trade are there. Look for that to happen in June.