Report: Indians asking Braves for Drew Waters in Mike Clevinger deal

The Braves usually keep things close to the vest when it comes to trade talks, but it appears they are seriously interested in the Indians Mike Clevinger, who is believed to be the best starting pitcher available at the trade deadline. 

MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reported earlier today that Atlanta has contacted Cleveland about Clevinger, and it appears those talks have heated up over the last few hours. Mark Feinsand recently said that multiple executives believe the Braves are making an aggressive push for the right-hander. 

Two executives believe the Braves are making an aggressive play for Clevinger, which would make sense given @BNightengale’s report that the Padres are no longer viewed as favorites.

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) August 31, 2020

And Jon Morosi just reported that the Indians are asking for Drew Waters in a potential deal. 

Source: #Indians have asked for #Braves OF Drew Waters during the Mike Clevinger trade talks. @MLB @MLBNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 31, 2020

I wrote a week ago about how the Indians and Braves match up as trade partners. Cleveland has a surplus of starting pitchers — Atlanta’s most significant need. And the Braves’ top two prospects are outfielders — the Indians’ most significant need. 

Waters, who was the Southern League’s MVP last season as a 20-year-old, could certainly headline a blockbuster deal. However, the Indians will surely receive more than that if a deal does get done. 

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