Indians rumors: Cleveland could trade Ezequiel Carrera

While Ezequiel Carrera might be a lock for a bench role on other teams, he's not currently a clear fit with the Cleveland Indians. For this reason, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com believes the Tribe could trade Carrera before the start of the regular season.

Carrera provides the speed, ability to play center and contract status that make him a perfect candidate to be a fourth outfielder. However, Cleveland currently has three capable center fielders in their starting lineup. They also have Nick Swisher - a player that can man a corner outfield spot - suiting up at first base, ample speed in the lineup as well as speed on the bench in Mike Aviles. This makes Carrera "a bit redundant in terms of tools," according to Bastian.

Rather than carry Carrera as a reserve, Bastian says Cleveland may be leaning toward going with Ryan Rayburn - someone who can man the infield as well as the outfield. If this is the direction the Indians elects to go, the team might try to find a trade partner for Carrera considering he doesn't have options remaining and is likely to get claimed off waivers.

Carrera made his major league debut in 2011. Over the past two seasons, the 25-year-old owns a career batting line of .255/.306/.347 with 14 doubles, six triples, two home runs and 18 stolen bases in 24 attempts over 384 plate appearances.