Cleveland Indians: A look at in-house free agents this offseason

With some big names on the Cleveland Indians roster set to become free agents, we look into which players are worth re-signing.

Now that the offseason is here for the Cleveland Indians, questions are beginning to surface about roster management. Some key players from this past season are set to become free agents this offseason.

Austin Jackson, Carlos Santana and Jay Bruce in particular, along with pitchers Bryan Shaw and Joe Smith are all set to hit the market. Obviously not all of these players will be retained, so we’re going to take a quick look into some of the ideal moves the Indians could make.

Arguably the biggest name on this list is Santana. His performance skyrocketed in the latter half of the season. In keeping him, the Indians keep their infield together. If the Indians are to keep Santana and can work a deal with Francisco Lindor, the infield will be set for the next five years.

The outfield for the Tribe is a much larger question. The Indians had the top ranked defense in the American League in 2017 thanks to contributions from big name players. The Indians acquired Bruce at the deadline and he was a rock in right field. Bruce’s bat also propelled the Indians lineup toward the end of the season.

Bruce seems to be the only threat to the potential re-signing of Santana. Both players are sluggers who hit well for the Tribe and both create stability at their positions. They are also both over 30 and will likely be asking for around $15 million per year.

In my humble opinion I think the Indians have to keep Santana. His ability at first base is underrated at times and the Indians have versatility in the outfield.

Jay Bruce was an added boost to a loaded lineup but his asking price will likely be answered by another team who could use him.

Should the Indians look at other options in order to keep both players?

With all of that said the Indians don’t necessarily have to get rid of either player. A common idea amongst fans has been the possibility of not exercising Michael Brantley‘s club option and letting him go. This would free up the $12 million he is owed this season allowing for more flexibility for the Tribe to negotiate with.

Letting go of Brantley is not ideal for any loyal Indians fan as he has been a staple in Cleveland for years. However, his recent lack of power and his injuries have simply not been enough to justify keeping him to some fans.

There is also that aforementioned versatility the Indians have in the outfield. If losing him allows the Indians some room to negotiate with Bruce and Santana, another team will likely give Brantley his asking price.

As far as the other names go on this list, Jackson was a great weapon for the Indians this season, but with Yandy Diaz on the rise they are better off letting Jackson go.

Sadly, I don’t see the Indians keeping Shaw. He made a lot of appearances this year and has 129 holds for the Tribe as a relief pitcher. But the Indians have a deep bullpen, and if they want to re-sign Andrew Miller they will likely have to lose Shaw.

Smith will likely ask for less than Shaw, and would no-doubt like to stay in Cleveland with his family. I think there is a good chance the Indians manage to re-sign him and keep some bullpen strength. I also think the Indians will exercise Josh Tomlin‘s club option.

Next: Disagreeing with the negative streak narrative

The Indians have a lot of big decisions to make in-house before they look elsewhere for position players. Even with the early playoff exit, there are a lot of players on this team worth keeping.