Cardinals’ Rumors: Cleveland Indians trade partners again?

Sep 28, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber (28) throws a pitch during the third inning against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Option #2 Corey Kluber

Who wouldn’t want to have the former Cy Young Award winner on their staff? Kluber showed his worth last season when proceeded to mow Cardinals’ hitters down, striking out 18 and allowing just one hit over eight innings against the Cardinals’ anemic offense.

Aside from that start, Kluber for all intents and purposes had a down year in 2015 a year after winning the Cy Young in 2014. Kluber finished with a record of 9-16 with an ERA of 3.49 and 2.97 FIP, which is pretty good, but not as good as his 18-9, 2.44 ERA and 2.35 FIP that got him the Cy Young in 2014. That year, Kluber was worth a ridiculous 7.3 fWAR.

Kluber was still really good in 2015, as he was still worth 5.5 fWAR. So, what you’re getting in Kluber is an established ace. He is not much older than Carrasco, but will turn 30 in April. Not much of a concern for Kluber, who was a little bit of a late bloomer, not getting his break as a full-time starter in the big leagues until 2013.

Kluber would likely be even better with a better defense behind him. So, to acquire Kluber would be like acquiring an ace in his prime and he would fit in well in this rotation, especially given he is likely under team control until 2021. Kluber, would probably be the most expensive get of the three, but he would probably be the most “sure” bet.

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