Report: Cleveland Indians Interested in Pair of New York Mets

As the trade deadline approaches, the New York Mets have yet to deal any of their players. It appears as though this could change soon, as other teams have started to inquire about some of their players.

Within the next few weeks, Mets infielder Asdrubal Cabrera could find himself back on his old team.

The Cleveland Indians have reportedly expressed interest in Cabrera. There have been trade rumors surrounding him for about a month now. However, it looks like he is now starting to draw legitimate attention from certain teams.

Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com reported that the Indians have expressed interest in Cabrera, as they would like to add a utility infielder.

Cabrera would make sense for the Indians. It would also be a reunion, as he spent the first eight years of his career in Cleveland.

The Indians could use another infielder, especially one who can play shortstop, second base, and third base. If they decide to trade for him, the Indians would most likely have Cabrera start at second base.

Jose Ramirez, who was named an All-Star for the first time in his career this season, has been seeing some playing time at second base lately. Like Cabrera, Ramirez can really play anywhere in the infield except for first base, but his main position is third base.

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If the Indians were able to acquire Cabrera, they would have another switch-hitting infielder. Ramirez is a switch-hitter, as is the team’s shortstop, Francisco Lindor.

Additionally, the Indians power-hitting designated hitter/first baseman Carlos Santana bats from both sides of the plate.

When the Mets asked Cabrera to move from shortstop to second base when he came off of the disabled list on June 23, he made it very clear that he was unhappy with the change. He even requested to be traded. Although Cabrera has calmed down since then and accepted the position switch, it appears as though he still might be traded.

The Mets should be able to get something decent in return for Cabrera, whether they deal him to the Indians or another team.

Cabrera is batting .250 with nine home runs and 29 RBIs in 70 games this season. He is in the final year of a two-year, $18.5 million contract, however, he has an $8.5 million club option for 2018. The Mets could probably get at least a mid-level prospect for Cabrera.

According to Mike Puma of The New York Post, the Mets are happy with the level of interest teams are showing in Cabrera. It looks like the Indians are not the only team that has called about the infielder.

Cabrera is also not the only Met that the Indians have expressed interest in. Cleveland has also reportedly inquired about slugging outfielder Jay Bruce. Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reported that Bruce could be of interest to the Indians.

Bruce is a free agent at the end of the season but is hitting .266 with 24 HR and 63 RBI. New York may get more in return for Bruce than any of their other trade pieces.

The July 31 trade deadline is nearly a week away, so there is a good chance that Cabrera and Bruce will be dealt very soon.

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It would be a smart move for Mets’ general manager Sandy Alderson to trade them, especially if the team can get something good in return.

The way things seem to be progressing, Cabrera and Bruce’s days in Queens are probably numbered.