The Indians’ top two prospects have been roaming the outfield together for the Double-A RubberDucks this season. Now, they’re each headed down Interstate 71 to Columbus.
The Indians on Sunday promoted Bradley Zimmer and Clint Frazier to Triple-A, putting them one step closer to their major-league debuts. Zimmer and Frazier are the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked prospects in the Indians’ organization, respectively, according to Baseball America and other scouting services.
Zimmer this season is hitting .252 with a .370 on-base percentage, 14 home runs, 20 doubles, six triples, 31 stolen bases and 53 RBI. He struggled for much of the season until he worked with RubberDucks hitting coach Tim Laker on narrowing his stance. He also loosened his hands and with those changes found quick results. In July, Zimmer hit .324 with a .418 on-base percentage, two home runs, four doubles, four stolen bases and nine RBI.
Frazier has had a more consistent season in his first year at the Double-A level, hitting .278 with a .357 on-base percentage, 13 home runs, 25 doubles, 48 RBI and 13 stolen bases. He’s also been working in left field to allow him to play either corner outfield position.
Zimmer and Frazier have each had their names floated in trade rumors as the Indians look to add a relief pitcher and possibly some offensive help prior to the nonwaiver trade deadline on Aug. 1. For now, their trip through the minor leagues continues in Columbus.
Chapman to Cubs
The New York Yankees dealt closer Aroldis Chapman to the Chicago Cubs on Monday, a significant domino on the trade market.
The Yankees are receiving a four-player package built around Cubs No. 1 prospect Gleyber Torres, a hefty haul for renting Chapman, who can become a free agent after this season.
Per the ever-active rumor mill this time of year, the Indians were connected to talks for Chapman. Bruce Levine of CBS Chicago reported Sunday afternoon that the Indians “had the best names on the table” for Chapman.
Next option
The Indians could seek to acquire the other dominant lefty in the Yankees’ bullpen, Andrew Miller, though reports have surfaced that the Yankees could be looking to hold onto him. Miller is a better fit for the Indians, as he is signed through the 2018 season at $9 million per year, which better aligns with other long-term investments the club has made.
However, it also raises Miller’s value and means the Yankees don’t need to move him now. Considering what the Yankees just received for Chapman, it’s likely Zimmer or Frazier and at least one of the club’s top pitching prospects would need to be involved, along with possibly another asset or two. Buster Olney of ESPN reported the Yankees have been discussing shortstop Yu-Cheng Chang, the No. 12 prospect in the Indians’ system according to MLB.com.
The Indians could also look to the Milwaukee Brewers’ two potentially available relievers, Jeremy Jeffress and Will Smith, along with several other teams that could offer help in the bullpen. They have been tied to Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy in trade talks as well.
Home cookin’
The Indians are coming off a sweep at the hands of the Baltimore Orioles but now return to Cleveland and will play 20 of their next 25 games at home, beginning with a two-game series against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night. At 56-41, the Indians hold a six-game lead over the Detroit Tigers (51-48) entering Monday’s games.
Ryan Lewis can be reached at rlewis@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Indians blog at www.ohio.com/indians. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RyanLewisABJ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RyanLewisABJ.