First Base, Left-Handed Hitter
One of the more intriguing prospects over the last few seasons, Bobby Bradley has yet to make an appearance on the Indians’ active roster this season and now might be the time to change that.
Bradley was given a brief chance last season, playing in 15 games and slashing .178/.245/.356. Those numbers aren’t the best, but they aren’t too far off from what he could be replacing.
Currently, Jordan Luplow is slashing .167/.303/.296 while Josh Naylor is along the same lines at .162/.255/.189 and Bradley could be an upgrade over both.
Now, you might be confused as to how Bradley can fill in for two outfielders since he is a first baseman. Although it isn’t ideal, Franmil Reyes could be moved to the outfield to replace either Luplow or Naylor in the field and allow Bradley or Carlos Santana to be the designated hitter with the other at first.
The much needed pop in the lineup outweighs the liability that Reyes could be in the outfield. Seeing what Bradley could bring to the lineup might provide the spark the Cleveland Indians are looking for and if it means Reyes has to play the outfield, that seems worth it with the postseason on the line.