Away Back Gone
FanSided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Aug 27, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Mitch Moreland (18) is greeted by catcher Robinson Chirinos (61) after scoring a double by shortstop Elvis Andrus (not pictured) in the third inning against the Cleveland Indians at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Mitch Moreland (18) is greeted by catcher Robinson Chirinos (61) after scoring a double by shortstop Elvis Andrus (not pictured) in the third inning against the Cleveland Indians at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /

Mitch Moreland – 1B

Mitch Moreland is another guy that would fit right in with the Indians.

Moreland would slide into the everyday first baseman role, allowing Santana to stay at DH. Moreland is also an above-average defender, winning his first Gold Glove this past season.

Offensively, he has been a picture of consistency throughout his career. He is good for 22-25 home runs and 60-70 RBI, which would complement Santana and Brantley in the middle of the order.

The most alarming part of Moreland is his strikeout to walk ratio. In 2016, Moreland struck out 118 times compared to just 35 walks. His low walk rate limited him to a .298 OBP.

Next: Terry Francona Rightfully Named Manager of the Year

Moreland made $5.7 million last season. He will likely get a pay raise this year, but nothing that would be out of the Indians pay range. He is another guy that the Indians could lock up beyond the 2017 season, seeing as their depth at first base is limited, even down into the farm system.

Home/Cleveland Guardians News