If you think the newest from USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale, the Indians will be moving their third top starting pitcher in just over a year prior to Mondays 4pm deadline.
Nightengale says that the Indians are “certainly trading Mike Clevinger by tomorrows due date, however its still unknown where hes going.”
There was a report earlier at night from Mark Feinsand of MLB.com that stated that the San Diego Padres, who have already pulled off a couple trade deadline deals, were the front runner for Clevingers services..
Clevinger is making $4.1 million this season, and his price tag will just increase in arbitration in 2021.
He would not be eligible to be a free agent till 2023, however after the event in Chicago a few weeks back and the Indians requiring bats if they are going to make a World Series run, they feel this is the finest option for the team to improve.
It wouldnt be a surprise for the Indians to wait till early to mid-afternoon Monday to shoot on a deal, as it would offer groups more time to up their offer.
Nightengale reported that while the Padres were the front runner, a “secret team” jumped in the mix late Sunday evening with a deal that was better than that of San Diego.
Clevinger in five seasons with the Indians went 42-22 as a starter with a 3.20 ERA.
When asked after what it appears will be his last start in an Indians uniform on Wednesday night if he was affected at all by the trade reports, the pitcher said his focus was on absolutely nothing but winning a title for Cleveland.
” Im trying to win a ring,” stated Clevinger..
” And Im trying to win a ring for the Tribe. Up until they tell me I cant wear their uniform– I went to the World Series with this group as a novice. This is the team I wished to do it with. Thats not something Im believing about..
” All Im thinking of is we might be within a half-game of Minnesota if we triumphed tonight.”.
It appears the imagine Clevinger being the part of a title group for the Indians is over – and now its a matter of time of where he will go and what the Indians will get in return..
” And Im attempting to win a ring for the Tribe. Until they tell me I cant use their uniform– I went to the World Series with this team as a novice. This is the group I desired to do it with.
