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5 Free Agents the Indians Should Sign this Offseason

By Matthew Johns

Nov 1, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians first baseman Mike Napoli hits a single against the Chicago Cubs in the fourth inning in game six of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians first baseman Mike Napoli hits a single against the Chicago Cubs in the fourth inning in game six of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 29, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Colby Rasmus (28) hits a two RBI single in the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 29, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Colby Rasmus (28) hits a two RBI single in the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Colby Rasmus – OF

After a season plagued by injuries, former Houston Astros outfielder Colby Rasmus will likely be look to sign a short-term contract in order to prove that he can still play before signing a long-term deal.

He had a dismal 2016, turning in a .206/.286/.355 slash line across 107 games played. He was productive, however, slugging 15 home runs and knocking in 54 runs. He also has plus defense as a center fielder.

Center field is arguably the biggest position to fill in the outfield. Naquin seems to be more of a fourth outfielder, as many predicted, and Zimmer is just not ready yet. Rasmus will be able to step into the role.

Currently the No. 33 free agent according to CBS Sports, paired with his injuries and decrease in overall hitting in 2016, Rasmus should be able to be signed for around $5 million on a one-year deal.

While the injuries are certainly alarming, the Indians have a good history of maximizing low-risk players (see Mike Napoli, Rajai Davis and Bryan Shaw). If they can do that with Rasmus, they could have another middle-of-the-order bat, which could help replace Napoli if he does not get re-signed by the Indians.

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