Indians acquire Brad Hand and Adam Cimber for Francisco Mejia

Moments ago, Ken Rosenthal tweet that San Diego Padres relievers Brad Hand and Adam Cimber are headed to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for the MLB’s top catching prospect Francisco Mejia.

In his eight year career, Hand owns an ERA of 3.84, a FIP of 3.92, and a WHIP of 1.260. Granted, most of his value has been accumulated during the last three years with the Padres, where he’s emerged as an excellent closer. Since 2016, the 28-year-old locked has pitched 213 innings with a 2.66 ERA, a FIP of 3.07, and 11.8 K/9. Meanwhile, Adam Cimber owns an ERA of 3.17 in his first year in the majors, though that comes with an even more impressive FIP of 2.32 and WHIP of 1.076.

With Cody Allen and Andrew Miller appearing to be impossible for the Indians to re-sign, netting two excellent relievers with control team control or contracts through at least 2021 shores up a major concern for the extension of the Indians’ championship window.

In Francisco Mejia, the Padres receive the league’s top catching prospect. He’s an above average receiver behind the plate with a cannon for an arm, and his recent level of play at Triple-A more or less demanded a promotion to the majors. The Indians were not willing to do this, and perhaps we have a better idea as to why.