Trade talks involving Cleveland Indians ace right-hander Corey Kluber have reportedly continued to surface this week. The Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Cincinnati Reds have all shown interest, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network.
The Dodgers and Reds have both explicitly been tied to Kluber in recent weeks, while the Brewers and Phillies appear to be new participants in the sweepstakes.
The Brewers struggled to find consistency in the starting rotation last season with ace Jimmy Nelson on the shelf the entire year. Meanwhile, the Phillies would be looking to create a formidable trio with Aaron Nola and Jake Arrieta rounding out the top three.
Talks between Cleveland and Cincinnati have reportedly involved top prospects Nick Senzel and Taylor Trammell, a source tells Morosi. Senzel, at least, figures to be a contributor for the Reds at the major-league level next season, so it remains to be seen if the team would be willing to move him.
There has been rampant speculation surrounding both Kluber and fellow right-hander Trevor Bauer throughout the offseason, especially after Cleveland signed Carlos Carrasco to a contract extension.
Even if the Indians ultimately keep Kluber and Bauer, the team is entering 2019 with a lot of turnover. Edwin Encarnacion and Yandy Diaz were both traded recently, while Josh Donaldson, Michael Brantley, Andrew Miller, and Cody Allen have hit free agency with both Donaldson and Brantley already on new squads.
