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Blue Jays: The American League teams most likely to come calling in trade talks

TORONTO, ON - MAY 24: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim arrives safely at second base in the eighth inning during MLB game action as Devon Travis #29 of the Toronto Blue Jays cannot handle the throw at Rogers Centre on May 24, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MAY 24: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim arrives safely at second base in the eighth inning during MLB game action as Devon Travis #29 of the Toronto Blue Jays cannot handle the throw at Rogers Centre on May 24, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 15: Francisco Lindor #12 of the Cleveland Indians sits at second base after being forced out on a ball hit by Austin Jackson #26 against the Kansas City Royals during the seventh inning at Progressive Field on September 15, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Royals defeated the Indians 4-3. (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 15: Francisco Lindor #12 of the Cleveland Indians sits at second base after being forced out on a ball hit by Austin Jackson #26 against the Kansas City Royals during the seventh inning at Progressive Field on September 15, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Royals defeated the Indians 4-3. (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images) /

Cleveland Indians

I think it’s entirely possible that Mark Shapiro and the Cleveland Indians connection come back one more time during this year’s trade deadline season. Once again Cleveland is at the top of the AL Central, despite having a much more difficult season. They have the good fortune of playing in the American League’s weakest division this season, and it looks like they’ll take full advantage of it.

They have a strong starting rotation, which is one of the reasons why they’ve had some success this year obviously. The group that includes Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Trevor Bauer, and Mike Clevinger is a solid playoff rotation, and they’re still hopeful that they’ll get Danny Salazar back at some point this year. They could look to add someone like Estrada or Happ to help give them a push down the deadline, but that would likely take an injury, and/or a real push from someone else in the division, which likely isn’t happening.

My guess is that Cleveland could be more interested in an offensive upgrade, especially with the middling season from Yondor Alonso at first base so far. It’s possible they ask about someone like Donaldson for the sake of trying, and who knows, for a playoff push he might play first base for a true contender before becoming a free agent. I wouldn’t bank on it, but the market of teams looking to pay a whole lot for him might not be that big consider the lack of real contenders this season, especially compared to 2017.

More likely I could see Cleveland asking about an outfielder, which is where someone like Granderson or Pearce could be an interesting option, and likely not that expensive. Pearce would have extra value with the ability to play first, but he’ll have to get healthy enough to show he can still be an asset before anyone is going to be interested in trading for him. I could also see their front office asking about someone like Kevin Pillar and gauging the Blue Jays’ interest in moving him. Not saying that it’s even remotely likely, but if they could use a true upgrade in the outfield, it would be in the centre.

I don’t see Cleveland as anywhere near as likely to be a trade partner as the Mariners or Angels, but anything can happen.

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