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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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Sep 9, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Pedro Alvarez (24) hits a double in the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Pedro Alvarez (24) hits a double in the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Pedro Alvarez – 1B/DH

Pedro Alvarez was available for the Indians to sign last season, and some even thought they would sign the veteran designated hitter. However, the Tribe elected to sign Napoli.

Due to his limitations on defense, Alvarez would be limited to a DH role, however he could play some first base.

Alvarez would be another guy that could hit in the middle of the lineup. He hit 22 home runs in 109 games last season. His .249 batting average was actually higher than his career batting average of.238.

Alvarez is going to come at a lower price than that of Napoli. While Napoli out-produced Alvarez by a large margin, Alvarez is much younger and has a higher likelihood of repeating his 2016 season than Napoli.

His $5.75 million contract last year is probably close to what he can expect this year. However, since the free agent market has the likes of Encarnacion, Carlos Beltran and Napoli, the Indians could secure Alvarez for an even lower price since the top spender will go after the other players.

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