Corey Kluber Indians Dodgers
Starting pitcher Corey Kluber #28 of the Cleveland Indians walks to the dugout after being relieved in the seventh inning after giving up the only run of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on June 30, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

As 2018 comes to an end, two All-Stars continue to find themselves at the center of trade rumors. The same three teams are reportedly interested in acquiring both players.

The Cleveland Indians have had trade talks about Corey Kluber throughout the offseason, and the Miami Marlins have explored dealing catcher J.T. Realmuto for weeks. According to reports, the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds are engaging in discussions with Cleveland and Miami.

Los Angeles and Cincinnati have already completed a blockbuster trade. The Dodgers sent Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp and Alex Wood to the Reds for Homer Bailey and a couple of highly touted prospects in a deal that involved seven total players. The trade could be a precursor to other moves.

L.A. saved around $15 million in the deal with Cincinnati. They could be preparing to make the offseason’s biggest splash and sign Bryce Harper. Maybe the move will let the Dodgers trade for a top player. The organization has room on the payroll for Kluber and his $17 million base salary in 2019. Los Angeles could flip one of the prospects they got back from Cincinnati in a trade for Realmuto.

The Reds took on salary from the Dodgers in their attempt to put a winning product on the field. Cincinnati has the most losses in baseball over the last five years, never going better than 76-86 during that span. This latest trade could be a sign that the Reds are willing to part with prospects for an impactful player like Kluber or Realmuto.

San Diego’s losing ways extend beyond Cincinnati’s. After going 66-96 in 2018, the Padres have eight straight seasons under .500. The team spent $144 million on Eric Hosmer last offseason, and they are looking to make more moves that could help them become competitive.

Kluber, 32, remains available, even though Cleveland has cut its payroll this season. The right-hander has probably been the AL’s best starter over the last five years with two Cy Young awards and two more top-three finishes.

Realmuto, 27, has probably played his last game with the Marlins as the team continues to rebuild. He’s arguably the best catcher in MLB after hitting .277/.340/.484 with 21 home runs in 125 games last year.

RELATED STORIES
Major league baseball