Report: Indians optimistic about acquiring Athletics' Moss

The Oakland Athletics seem increasingly determined to deal Brandon Moss this winter, and general manager Billy Beane may have found a trading partner in the Cleveland Indians.

According to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer, the Indians are "guardedly optimistic" they will be able to broker a trade for Moss, an All-Star last season who boasts a 135 OPS+ since the beginning of 2012.

Moss' future with the Athletics grew increasingly uncertain after Beane traded Josh Donaldson to the Toronto Blue Jays for Brett Lawrie and a trio of prospects Friday. Though, the 31-year-old remains arbitration-eligible for two more seasons.

Moss, however, battled a hip injury in 2014 that caused his production to dwindle during the second half of the season. Though he never required a stint on the disabled list, Moss hit just .173/.310/.274 with four home runs over his final 58 games of the season while striking out in 31 percent of his plate appearances.