Indians Pass On Trade Talks — College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects

CLEVELAND—Early in the offseason, the names of several of the Indians’ top prospects surfaced in the usual cascade of trade rumors that enveloped the Winter Meetings.

Feeling, however, that the organization was in a good spot with a replenished minor league system and a major league roster that includes a starting rotation that has three key and coveted pitchers under club control for multiple years on club-friendly contracts, Indians officials resisted the temptation to trade any of those assets in their quest to bolster the offense on the major league team.

Righthanders Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco and Danny Salazar are the leaders of the rotation, and the names of Carrasco and Salazar, in particular, were frequently mentioned in trade rumors.

Indians officials chose not to trade the two young pitchers, and were likewise reluctant, as the new year approached, to trade any of their top minor league prospects in order to acquire a hitter that could bring some sock to a lineup that among American League teams last year finished 11th in runs scored, 11th in slugging and 13th in home runs.

Teams obviously inquired about outfielders Bradley Zimmer and Clint Frazier, two former first-round picks who are ascending on schedule and could be ready to contribute at the major league level perhaps as soon as the later portions of the 2016 (Zimmer) and 2017 (Frazier) seasons.

Other Indians prospects whose names were mentioned in trade speculation were pitchers Mike Clevinger and Rob Kaminsky and first baseman Bobby Bradley.

When it comes to Zimmer and Frazier, Indians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti appears disinclined to discuss either player in trade talks.

“They both have bright futures, but they are not part of our planning for this year,” Antonetti said. “For now, we’re looking to build the best team we can for 2016.”

SMOKE SIGNALS

• To make room for Rajai Davis on the 40-man roster infielder Chris Johnson for was designated for assignment, despite the fact that the he had two years and $17 million remaining on his contract.

• Outfielder Jerry Sands was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man for righthander Dan Otero, acquired in a trade with the Phillies.