Cleveland Indians Roundup: Tribe Interested in Free Agent RHP Tommy Hunter

Clevelinks: Cleveland Indians Have Interest in Free Agent Reliever Tommy Hunter

On Monday, MLB Trade Rumors reported that the Cleveland Indians had some interest in right-hander Tommy Hunter, who was the setup man for the Baltimore Orioles to start last season. Hunter was traded to the Chicago Cubs at the deadline, where he struggled to find the same level of success, but he has a 3.26 ERA over the last three seasons.

Hunter has really turned his career into something noteworthy, following a rough 2012 season. In 2013 and 2014, he pitched in 128 games, including 15 saves in 147 innings, and maintained a 2.88 ERA. He also struck out 113 batters during that time. Hunter’s success can largely be traced to a move from the rotation to the bullpen. As a starter, his ERA tends to be north of 4.00, but when he’s used in relief, Hunter is an excellent arm.

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The right-hander will be 30 years old next season, and while there is plenty to like about him, his struggles in Chicago might be enough to put doubt in the minds of teams who look at his early years. If this drops his price, the Indians should absolutely make a move. Hunter would be the perfect addition to their bullpen, pushing Bryan Shaw back into a seventh-inning role where he belongs, and giving Cody Allen a legitimate setup man to work with.

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Next: Is Jose Ramirez Too Valuable to Trade?

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