A New Team Has Entered the Mix for Indians Ace Corey Kluber

While for the last week it has seemed more and more that the Los Angeles Dodgers would be the team that did enough to get Indians ace Corey Kluber in a trade, there’s now a new team reported to be in the mix for Kluber.

That team according to MLB.com’s Jon Morosi is the San Diego Padres, and the thought is the Padres have an attractive package to offer the Indians in return for Kluber.

Here’s what Morosi has to say about what the Indians night get for Kluber.

The Padres and Indians are engaged in discussions about a trade that would send Kluber to San Diego, sources told MLB.com, although one person with knowledge of the talks does not believe the Padres have eclipsed the Dodgers as favorites to land Kluber — yet.

The Padres can offer what the Indians may need to justify moving Kluber: Major League talent. One source said Cleveland’s return in the deal could include one or more from a group of three young Major Leaguers: outfielders Manuel Margot and Hunter Renfroe and catcher Austin Hedges.

Cleveland likely would obtain at least one prospect as well, although shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. and lefty MacKenzie Gore (San Diego’s top two prospects) are not expected to be involved in a Kluber deal.

It was just last July that the Indians and Padres made a mega deal in which the Tribe got closer Brad Hand and relived Adam Cimber for catcher Francisco Majia.

Could another deal between the two teams be in the works?

The ball may be back in the Dodgers court now and we shall see if their offer gets stronger.

The more teams in the mix for Kluber – the more the Indians can get in return.

Look for more teams to be back in the mix for Kluber – as Morosi says the Phillies, Brewers and Reds also continue to have interest in the two-time Cy Young award winner.