With starter Carlos Carrasco now locked up with a four-year contract extension, the Indians are reportedly more willing to part ways with two of the top arms in their rotation.
And that could be big news for Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen.
Yahoo! Sports' Jeff Passan reported Thursday that Cleveland is "increasingly motivated" to move ace Corey Kluber or Trevor Bauer after extending Carrasco.
The Mets have already spoken to the Indians about a trade for Kluber, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. The 32-year-old is under team control for three more seasons. He will make $17 million in 2019 and has club options in 2020 and 2021 for $17.5 million and $18 million, respectively. Either year can be bought out for $1 million.
Kluber, a two-time Cy Young winner, had a 2.89 ERA (3.12 FIP) and 0.99 WHIP with 222 strikeouts in 215 innings this past season.
The Mets had been in talks with the Indians about catcher Yan Gomes, who ended up being traded to the Nationals. The Indians are also looking to dump Jason Kipnis and acquire young outfielders. SNY's Andy Martino has suggested that a potential Mets deal for Kluber could include Brandon Nimmo.
Bauer is also a possible target for the Mets, though they may see strong competition from the Yankees. SNY contributor John Harper believes the Yankees, who are still looking to add another top starter this offseason, should go after the 27-year-old. Kluber is a possible target for the Yankees as well.
Bauer is two years away from free agency and is projected to earn roughly $11 million next season via arbitration. He's coming off the best season of his career, finishing with a 2.21 ERA (2.44 FIP) with 221 strikeouts in 175 innings.