Cleveland Indians MiLB Update; Kluber a Trade Candidate?

Minor league promotions; Kluber a trade piece?

There is a bright future ahead for the Cleveland Indians, but it might just still be a few years away. Bradley Zimmer and Dorssys Paulino were both promoted prior to the All-Star break. While Paulino;s move from Low-A to High-A still has him far from Cleveland, the promotion of Zimmer sets the stage for the possibility he could join the Indians as soon as 2016.

Last year’s pick is moving quickly, and one place that there seems to be an opening without much traffic is center field. If Zimmer can continue to impress this season and into next, he could see Progressive Field by sometime late next season.

The Tribe are holding onto hope of being a contender for the second half. The division hasn’t left them, and they’re still in the Wild Card hunt. But if they decided to be a seller, who do they have of value? Who could they trade for a worthwhile return? One answer is reigning AL Cy Young Corey Kluber.

It’s not likely to happen, but he’s under team control through 2019, with two option years after that. Even in a year where he seems to be struggling, his stuff is as good as it was last season. So if the Tribe decided to at least listen to offers–as someone is going to need starting pitching down the stretch–he would be one that could net a solid return, even if not popular with the fans.

The American League won last night’s 86th All-Star Game 6-3 over the National League, with the Angels’ Mike Trout taking home MVP honors. The AL will now have home field advantage in this year’s World Series. Our Jason Kipnis got just one at-bat, as he struck out swinging in the sixth.

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Indians MiLB Update: Zimmer, Paulino promoted’ – Wahoo’s on First

‘Could the Indians trade Corey Kluber?’ – Wahoo’s on First

‘Trout fuels AL’s third-straight ASG victory’ – MLB.com

‘Rose greeted by cheers before All-Star Game’ – ESPN.com

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