FanPost

West Coast Pay Day

There is a lot of speculation these days about the availability of Brad Hand and Trevor Bauer.

The organization could save quite a bit of money next year and some this year should they be traded by the deadline. But, nobody here cares about that, really. I for one advocate for holding ground with the talent on the field and keeping both Hand and Bauer. They should only be moved for great trade packages.

Listening to Buster Olney on his podcast, he talked about the Chapman and Miller trades and how they were good baseball decisions for all involved. I agree. How exciting was 2016? But we may be on the other side of it this year. We have the best closer in baseball in Brad Hand, and one of the best young starters in the game in Trevor Bauer. Both are under control for next season, but will their trade value be the same? Especially Hand's? Nobody knows.

The Indians need more production from the infield, DH, and at least one more outfield spot. That makes the team priorities 2B, 3B, and DH. If Jose Ramirez comes back (big if, but worth waiting for), then one of those is covered. So look to fill 2B and DH.

For today, let's assume Bobby Bradley (who should already be in the majors to show what he's got) isn't the future of DH.

I think these trades are the best way to meet the needs of the future, reload quickly, and compete in 2020 and maybe even for the wild card this year.

Brad Hand to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Gavin Lux (2B) and Tony Gonsolin (RHP, AAA).

Trevor Bauer to San Diego Padres for Franmil Reyes (OF/DH), Ty France (3B, AAA), and Michel Baez (RHP, AA)

I don't know if this meets the surplus value threshold of reality, but I tried to get 1 top 100 prospect from both Bauer and Hand, and good complimentary pieces. Lux is the highlight of of the Hand trade, and will fill the 2B hole next year nicely. Gonsolin is not a top 100 prospect, but he is on the rise and I think he'll ed up being great. Reyes meets the RH power bat we all know we need. He is still new to the league and his peak years are probably still ahead of him. Baez is an exciting pitcher, but he is in the lower top 100 prospects in baseball. France is a AAA prospect crushing it there and is blocked by Machado.

Other options would be to attain Hiura from the Brewers for Bauer, and that changes the package for Hand to something more like Gonsolin/Will Smith/A Ball Pitcher CLEFO likes. They would then have to trade for a power pat from San Diego (Reyes/Renfroe). Renfroe might not have a prohibitive cost.

Hopefully things can turn around soon, otherwise I think something like this, and probably more underwhelming will happen.

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