Cleveland Indians: Would Brewers make good trade partners?

With plenty of action still to happen in the MLB offseason, the Cleveland Indians could still make some trades prior to Opening Day. The Milwaukee Brewers might make for a good trade partner.

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is David Gasper and I’m the new site co-expert here at Believeland Ball. I’ve been writing for Reviewing the Brew, covering the Milwaukee Brewers for several months, so I have become quite familiar with their system and needs. And that’s why I think they could make a good match in a potential trade.

It’s been reported that the Cleveland Indians are open to trading starting pitcher Danny Salazar and second baseman Jason Kipnis. It just so happens that the biggest needs for the Milwaukee Brewers are starting pitching and second base.

What does Milwaukee have to trade?

Outfielders. And then more outfielders. If anyone is looking to acquire an outfielder this winter, they are calling the Milwaukee Brewers. They possess one of the top prospects in all of baseball with Lewis Brinson. Controllable assets like Domingo Santana and Keon Broxton could also be available in a potential deal.

They also have nearly a third of their Top 30 prospects that are outfielders. Guys like Corey Ray, Trent Grisham, and Monte Harrison have very high ceilings and could be ready for the big leagues soon.

The Brewers also have a group of middle infielders near the top of their prospect lists as well as some quality pitching. With one of the deepest systems in baseball, the Brewers have a lot to work with in a potential deal.

What do the Indians need?

With Lonnie Chisenhall and Michael Brantley set to hit free agency after next season, perhaps grabbing one of the Brewers outfielders that’s a year away would be a smart idea. Corey Ray was the fifth overall pick back in 2016 and, while it’s taking him awhile to adjust to professional ball, he still has a monstrously high ceiling.

Monte Harrison just had a breakout season in the Brewers system and could be in the majors in the beginning of 2019. He’s currently rated as the 14th best prospect in the Brewers system but he’s slated to enter the Top 100 list in 2018. With a very strong arm, Harrison could be best suited in right field.

Even with the recent signing of Yonder Alonso, first base is also a question mark going forward. The Brewers have a young first baseman in Jake Gatewood that could be ready around the time Alonso’s contract is up.

Could a deal come together?

The big question is whether or not Brewers GM David Stearns would be willing to part with the necessary talent to acquire Jason Kipnis or Danny Salazar.

It’s very possible that the Brewers and Cleveland Indians could come together on a deal. The Brewers have three second base prospects that are close to the big leagues. If a deal for Kipnis is to be made, at least one of those prospects may have to go in return to Cleveland considering Kipnis is under contract for at least the next two seasons.

For Salazar, it’s very easy to see the Brewers moving one of their young outfielders for starting pitching. Domingo Santana and Lewis Brinson would cost a lot more than Salazar but with a plethora of prospects, the Indians will have plenty to choose from.

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The Milwaukee Brewers and Cleveland Indians make a lot of sense as trade partners. Each team has what the other one needs. And with both teams staying mostly quiet to this point in the offseason, there could be something big on the horizon.