Trade Targets that Could Bolster the Dodgers Rotation

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HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 05: Corey Kluber #28 of the Cleveland Indians delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Houston Astros during Game One of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on October 5, 2018, in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

There is no avoiding this one. Corey Kluber will be a blessing to any team he plays for even if that is the Indians. With Cleveland making him available, the Dodgers should undoubtedly jump on the opportunity.

Kluber has been one of baseball’s premier arms for the last five seasons. He’s won two Cy Young awards in that span and has been an All-Star in three of the five seasons and the numbers back that up. If you combine his statistics from 2014 through the 2018 seasons, Kluber owns a 2.85 ERA and a 152 ERA+. The righty has the second highest ERA+ amongst pitchers with at least 900 innings since 2014, second only to Kershaw.

The dominance from Kluber is undeniable but so is the price to presumably trade for him. The Dodgers are a team loaded with young talent and the Indians would basically be able to pick whatever they wanted for one of the best starters in the game.

Financially speaking, Kluber does not carry as much checkbook burden as you would think. He is guaranteed a minimum of $15 million in 2019 with bonuses for a trade and in the event, he wins the Cy Young Award. Kluber also has $15 million incentivized team options for 2020 and 2021.

Corey Kluber is a premier arm that can shockingly be found on the trading block this offseason. The Dodgers should take full advantage of that.