CLEVELAND — Hours ahead of the 2020 MLB Trade Deadline on Monday, the Cleveland Indians sent starting pitcher Mike Clevinger, outfielder Greg Allen and a player to be named later to the San Diego Padres in exchange for six players.
But while Clevinger may be the headliner of the deal, Cleveland's return will be expected to have an impact both in the short and long-term for the franchise. With that in mind, let's take a look at the six newest players in the Indians' organization.
OF Josh Naylor
Selected by the Miami Marlins in the first round of the 2015 MLB Draft, Naylor was traded to the Padres a year later before making his MLB debut in May of 2019. In his first season in the big leagues, the left-handed player hit for a .249 average (.719 OPS), 8 home runs and 32 RBIs in 94 games.
While he also possesses the ability to play first base, the 23-year-old Naylor is expected to find an immediate home in an Indians outfield that has struggled offensively this season. As for his long-term outlook, Naylor remains under team control for the next five years and possesses the type of upside and power that could make him a mainstay of Cleveland's lineup for years to come.
RHP Cal Quantrill
Like Naylor, Cal Quantrill is a former first-round pick who arrives in Cleveland already possessing Major League experience. After being selected by the Padres eighth overall in 2016, Quantrill made his big league debut in 2019, amassing a 6-8 record and 5.16 ERA in 23 appearances (18 starts).
Although only one of his 10 appearances this season has been a start, the 25-year-old right-hander projects as a long-term starter. It remains to be seen when that will happen in Cleveland, however, as the Indians already possess a plethora of young starters, even after dealing away Clevinger.
C Austin Hedges
Selected in the second round of the 2011 MLB Draft, Austin Hedges has spent his entire professional career in the Padres' organization, debuting at the big league level in 2015. Although he has opened the past three seasons as San Diego's top catcher, injuries and ineffectiveness at the plate prevented him from securing the role on a full-time basis.
While he has only compiled a batting average better than .214 in one of his six seasons in the majors, Hedges has become known as one of the better defensive catchers in baseball. In that regard, the 28-year-old is similar to current Indians catcher Roberto Perez, who he compares favorably to according to his baseball-reference similarity score.
SS Gabriel Arias
The No. 7 prospect in the Padres' organization -- which ranked second in baseball according to MLB.com's most recent rankings -- Gabriel Arias spent the 2019 season in Class-A advanced. According to his MLB.com prospect profile, the 20-year-old right-handed hitter projects as a quality defender with above-average pop for his position, with the potential to hit 25 home runs a season with further improvement.
LHP Joey Cantillo
A 20-year-old left-hander, Joey Cantillo ranked as the No. 9 prospect in the Padres organization. Known more for his control than power, the Honolulu native projects as a high-floor back of the rotation starter, according to MLB.com.
SS/2B Owen Miller
Selected in the third round of the 2018 MLB Draft, Owen Miller quickly advanced through the lower levels of San Diego's minor league system, spending the entirety of the 2019 season in Double-A. Now 23-years-old, the right-handed hitting Miller projects as a solid hitter with the versatility to play all three infield positions.