The Texas Rangers acquired two-time American League Cy Young winner Corey Kluber on Sunday morning, sending center fielder Delino DeShields and rookie reliever Emmanuel Clase to the Cleveland Indians.
The deal is pending a physical, as Kluber missed most of last season because of injury, but the right-hander is expected to join a rotation that includes left-hander Mike Minor and fellow righties Lance Lynn, Kyle Gibson and Jordan Lyles.
Kluber won the Cy Young in 2014 and 2016, and is established as one of the best pitchers in baseball. He made only seven starts last season before landing on the injured list with a broken left forearm after being struck by a line drive May 1.
Kluber, who went to Coppell High School, attempted to return later in the season but suffered a strained left oblique that ended his season.
DeShields goes the Indians as one of the speediest players in the game and a solid defensive center fielder who is still seeking consistency offensively. His exits opens center fielder for Danny Santana, who broke through in 2019 with the best season of his career, and gives Nick Solak any opening to make the Rangers' roster as a super utility player.
Clase wowed the Indians during an August doubleheader in just his second career appearance. He routinely hits 100 mph with his fastball and rated as one of baseball's hardest throwers last season, when he opened at Low A Hickory but was in the majors by Aug. 2.
