Brewers still discussing Corey Kluber trade with Cleveland, per report

MLB.com’s Jon Morosi is reporting that the Milwaukee Brewers are still engaged in trade talks regarding Cleveland Indians ace Corey Kluber.

The Crew have been connected to Kluber in some way or another for most of the offseason. Morosi reports that Milwaukee and the Los Angeles Dodgers are the ones still in communication with Cleveland regarding a potential trade. He goes on to state that either team must make a “more compelling offer” to obtain the two-time Cy Young winner or Kluber will stay with Cleveland for his ninth season.

According to the article, Cleveland is still looking to address its current outfielder shortage. The team lost two of its key contributors in the outfield to free agency, Michael Brantley who signed with the Houston Astros and Melky Cabrera who remains unsigned. The expectation has been that they will use their immense starting pitcher depth to resolve that. Some rumors earlier this season have tied Cream City prospect Corey Ray to the trade discussions.

While Morosi indicates that Cleveland wants to get the deal done before Spring Training or not at all, he does note that Kluber isn’t the only target on the Menomonee Valley Nine’s radar:

Meanwhile, sources say the Brewers remain involved in trade discussions for top starting pitchers. If they don’t acquire Kluber, it remains possible that Milwaukee could strike a deal to acquire Giants ace Madison Bumgarner.

As it currently stands, David Stearns and the rest of the executives on Miller Park Way only have two weeks until pitchers and catchers report.