Trading Kluber

OK, two teams interested in Kluber participated in a trade.   The interesting thing about that is that two of the Dodgers linked to Kluber, Matt Kemp and Yasiel Puig, were in that trade!   This sets up all sorts of scenarios.  

I think the above trade increases the chances that the Indians both deal with the Reds AND include Kipnis in the deal.   Let's talk why:

• The Dodgers have traded enough outfielders now that they can no longer trade an outfielder to Cleveland.   Even if they do sign Bryce Harper it would only give them 5 outfielders on their roster and I don't see how they could give the 4th outfield spot to Andrew Toles and trade Alex Verdugo to the Indians.  I guess they could move one of their infielders to the outfield but I think this dooms the Kluber trade.  The Kluber trade with the Dodgers looked good if we would have taken on one of their contracts and given them Kipnis.   Say, Verdugo, Kemp, Dennis Santana and Will Smith for Kipnis and Kluber.   Without Verdugo that deal HAS to die on the vine and now with Kemp gone, there is no way to make the salaries work AND still get the Indians quality prospects for Kluber
• The Reds, on the other hand, appear now to have the pieces the Indians want and, according to their FO, they have "resources" left to use to improve their team.  So let's postulate a trade.   The first part is a salary exchange, then we talk Kluber for whoever we can get.   

Kipnis for Puig and Kluber, $3 million (difference between Kipnis and Puig salary) for Senzel, Herget, Santillan and Jose Lopez

This would increase the Reds payroll with Kluber's salary.   We would get a right fielder, a replacement for Kipnis on the infield and three guys who can help our bullpen in 2019 and beyond with Santillan being a possible future starter, as well..  

In summary I think this minimizes the chances of Kluber being traded to the Dodgers, that is if we want a good, long-term return and it increases the chances of him being dealt to the Reds as they are now set up to have the pieces the Indians want AND take on Kluber's salary.