Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that while the Indians are not actively trying to trade Asdrubal Cabrera, they are listening to offers.
Cabrera’s name has been linked to the Cardinals in the past, writes Hoynes, but since he’s entering the final year of his contract, and can be a free agent after the 2014 season, his value isn’t as high as it would have been if the Indians had traded him before the 2013 season.
The Indians are looking to fill needs in the rotation and bullpen.
I think Cabrera is an intriguing option for the Mets and he wouldn’t cost the Mets an arm and a leg… Well perhaps an arm…
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. The switch-hitting second baseman/shortstop walloped 25 home runs and drove in 98 runs only two short seasons ago.
Cabrera is not a defensive guy by any stretch of the imagination, although he’s definitely an upgrade over anything the Mets have had over the last two seasons. The Tribe have had him playing shortstop the last few years, 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, but if the Indians want a rotation arm back I’m sure they’d be willing eat a couple of million if the deal fancies them. Or if not then the return in players won’t be as costly to the Mets. At least that’s what my baseball people tell me. 🙂
