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Cleveland Indians: Four burning questions heading into the offseason

By Kyle Edmond

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 30: Shortstop Francisco Lindor #12 of the Cleveland Indians throws out DJ LeMahieu #26 of the New York Yankees during the first inning of Game Two of the American League Wild Card Series at Progressive Field on September 30, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 30: Shortstop Francisco Lindor #12 of the Cleveland Indians throws out DJ LeMahieu #26 of the New York Yankees during the first inning of Game Two of the American League Wild Card Series at Progressive Field on September 30, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Indians, Brad Hand
CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 27: Brad Hand #33 of the Cleveland Indians throws a pitch while completing the save during the ninth inning of the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Progressive Field on September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland defeated Pittsburgh 8-6. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

Who do the Indians decide to resign?

As previously stated, the Indians will have a few major contributors from the last season who will need to either resign or walk in free agency. The names that top the list are Brad Hand, Cesar Hernandez and Carlos Santana.

Beginning with Hand, he had a strong 2020 season, being perfect on save opportunities during the regular season. However, how the season ended might leave a sour taste for some.

The Indians have a long history of producing top closers, but also letting them walk when the time comes. It remains to be seen if that times has come for Hand, but with top prospects in waiting that can close as well, this is a money saving opportunity that seems to fit the bill of the front office.

The same can be said for Carlos Santana who had a down season. First base is another position that the Indians have plenty of prospects in waiting and moving on from Santana could save a lot of money.

Of the three big free agents, Cesar Hernandez is the one that produced at a high level this year. Hernandez could easily return, but like the other positions, there are cheaper options in the minors that will be ready soon. Hernandez could be an option for another one-year deal, but with so many up-and-coming prospects, it can be hard to see a situation where the front office signs Hernandez long-term.

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