The Indians are reportedly interested in trading shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera according to MLB Trade Rumors. It’s not the first time his name has come up in trade rumors and it won’t be the last.
Cabrera, 27, had a disappointing season for the Indians, batting .242/.299/.402 with 35 doubles, 14 home runs and 64 RBI in 508 at-bats. After compiling a 8.1 WAR in the previous two seasons, the two-time All Star weighed in with a disappointing 1.2 WAR in 2013.
But given his young age and his track record, a return to his career norms is not out of the question, however it’s not a sure thing either.
The switch-hitting second baseman/shortstop walloped 25 home runs and drove in 98 runs only two short seasons ago. That would certainly have a considerable amount of appeal to this power-starved Mets offense.
Cabrera is not a defensive guy by any stretch of the imagination and at the low end of the totem pole. The Tribe have had him playing shortstop the last few years where he has been terrible, but he was a tick above average at second base throughout his major and minor league career. But clearly, his true value lies in his bat.
He’ll earn $10 million this season, and if the Indians want a haul back they won’t get many takers if any. Cabrera is simply not that good and it seems like the Tribe have had him on the block for eons.
But if they are willing to move him for someone like an Ike Davis or a maybe tad bit more, I’d certainly take my chances and roll the dice with him.
