Indians rumors: Cleveland willing to deal Cabrera, Choo

The Cleveland Indians have informed clubs that they are open to trade shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and outfielder Shin-Soo Choo, but are not willing to do so at all costs, reports Danny Knobler of CBS Sports:

The Indians have let teams know they're willing to trade shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and outfielder Shin-Soo Choo, but also that they're looking for "front-line pitching" in return.

While the Indians don't appear to be in sell-at-all-costs Marlins mode -- they say they'll keep both players if they can't get what they want -- it seems clear they think their future would be better served by trading one or both players.

According to Knobler, the Indians seem to be in the mindset that they are not in a realistic position to vie for the division next season, so they would be better off acquiring players that can help them a few years down the road.

Cabrera is under contract through 2013 at $6.5 million and Choo – who made $4.9 million in 2012 – is arbitration eligible for the final time this winter.

The St. Louis Cardinals could be attractive trade partners with their bevy of young pitching – and the club has shown interest in Cabrera – but the situation may have changed now that incumbent shortstop Rafael Furcal has received a clean bill of health on his elbow.