Indians, with admittedly no chance to sign Choo, will again listen to trade offers in winter

The Indians, resigned to the idea that they won't be able to sign star outfielder Shin-Soo Choo to a contract extension, will listen again to trade offers for Choo this winter.

Indians general manager Chris Antonetti said they have tried to extend Choo "multiple times'' over the past few years, to no avail. Antonetti was asked how much reception he's gotten to the possibility of a multiyear deal, and the GM answered candidly, "None.''

But Antonetti also pointed out that a trade this winter isn't the only possible outcome, as they could also trade him at the deadline next July or let him leave as a free agent after next season and receive draft choices after making a qualifying offer, which Antonetti indicated they will surely make.

The Pirates, Dodgers and Rangers are among teams connected to Choo, a free agent after the 2013 season, at this year's deadline. The Pirates were said unwilling to part with either of their top two pitching prospects, Gerrit Cole or Jameson Taillon.

Nonetheless, Choo's trade value should be fairly high based on him being a five-tool player. Choo, 30, has 15 home runs, 49 RBI and a .286 batting average this year, a comeback season of sorts after 2011, his one subpar season.