Cleveland Indians: Evaluating the Tribe’s upcoming free agents

As the Cleveland Indians transition to the offseason, these names could be on their way out of Cleveland during free agency.

While the 2020 season has come to a close for the Cleveland Indians, the work is just beginning for some in the organization. The year ended short of the goal, being to bring a title to Cleveland, and the work will start over as preparation for the 2021 season is well underway.

Moving towards the new season, the first tasks to tackle will be to address contracts internally, and that will begin with those that could become free agents. Luckily, the Tribe’s list this year for potential departure in free agency is short.

In total, the Indians only have six players that played a considerable role during the season that might leave. Of those six, three could also be brought back on club options that are included with their deals.

The Cleveland Indians have become known as a team that creates their talent in-house through the farm system, meaning that the first step of free agency is normally more important than the second step. Retaining the players they have molded is the key to the Indians’ success, rather than bringing in talent.

While adding talent through free agency is a must for a team that struggled so mightily offensively throughout the season, keeping current pieces in place will be just as important. That begins with these six players.

On the potential out-going list for Cleveland are two catchers, two relievers and two infielders. Cesar Hernandez, Oliver Perez and Sandy Leon are at the end of their contracts, while Carlos Santana, Brad Hand and Roberto Perez have club options on their deals for the 2021 season that could be picked up.

While there are other players that could leave through free agency, these six where the ones that saw the field the most and contributed to the season’s effort that came to a close in the American League Wild Card Series.

Carlos Santana – 2021 Club Option

Beginning at the top of the payroll, the Cleveland Indians will have a tough decision to make with Carlos Santana who just completed his 10th season with the Indians and 11th of his career.

While Santana showed bright spots during the season, including an AL-high 47 walks, the lows far outweighed the highs. Slashing just .199/.349/.350, Santana looked like a shell of his former self at the plate, and it didn’t really matter what side he was on.

Being a switch hitter, Santana held an average of just .246 against left-handed pitchers and was even worse against right-handers at .182. If that wasn’t enough, his on-base percentage of .349 was a career-low for him, despite having so many walks.

Not only did Santana have a down year in 2020, but his contract option for 2021 isn’t exactly friendly. A deal that he signed with Philadelphia, Santana’s option would result in him receiving $17.5 million next year from Cleveland, should the team pick up the option.

Considering that the Indians will have to pay a large contract to Francisco Lindor post-arbitration and are also trying to cut back payroll once again, the chances of Santana’s option being picked up are slim. That isn’t to say the team might not try to bring him back in a different way, but his current contract doesn’t seem like much of an option.

Brad Hand – 2021 Club Option

While the season ended on a sour note for Brad Hand in the Wild Card series against the New York Yankees, he still showed an impressive performance over the course of the year, being perfect in save opportunities during the regular season.

Regardless of how well he played, his contract will be one that will take some thought for the organization. The Indians saw potential in a handful of other relievers, like Nick Wittgren and James Karinchak and will also get back prospect Emmanuel Clase in 2021 who missed the season due to suspension after coming over via trade.

Should the Indians feel like they can move on from Hand, the financial relief might be worth it. As it stands, Hand’s club option for the 2021 season would cost the team $10 million.

Hand will be 31-years old when the 2021 season gets underway, so moving on from him now might seem a bit premature. However, it follows the path that the team has shown. Cody Allen was 29 during his final season with the Tribe and Chris Perez was 27, being the team’s two previous closers before Hand.

While each pitcher is different, the Indians’ framework and timetable for pitchers seems to spell out the potential end of Hand’s tenure in Cleveland. It might be difficult to just let him walk, though, so picking up his option to deal him during the offseason during a trade might be a possibility as well.

Cesar Hernandez – Free Agent

The first outright free agent on this list, Cesar Hernandez was one of the few consistent bright spots throughout the 2020 season for the Cleveland Indians. Arriving through free agency prior to the season, Hernandez is familiar with the process and could bring in a big contract after his somewhat breakout season.

With eight years under his belt in the majors, Hernandez is still just 30-years old and will be a hot name on the market if Cleveland doesn’t lock him up. Batting at the top of the order, whether it be the first or second spot, Hernandez led the American League in doubles with 20 while slashing a steady .283/.355/.408.

This wasn’t a fluke for Hernandez either. Over his eight seasons, he has hit north of .280 four times and missed it another time by just one point, hitting .279 during the 2019 season.

While the Indians watched Hernandez first-hand all year, the other teams around the league are sure to take notice. There isn’t a specific name in the minors that is ready to take over the second base spot in the lineup, so retaining Hernandez should be in play for the Indians. The only issue will be if the team pays what he deserves because in the free agent market there could be a bidding war to get him signed.

Oliver Perez – Free Agent

Over the last few seasons, Oliver Perez has been a mainstay in the Indians’ bullpen, but that might be changing in 2021. Turning 39-years old in August, Perez is reaching the end of his now 18-year career and saw limited appearances as the year went on.

After seeing 51 appearances in 2018 and then a jump to 67 in 2019 with the Tribe, Perez was limited to just 21 during the shortened 2020 season. The low amount of games was fifth out of the bullpen for the Indians while his 18 innings pitched was seventh on the team from the pen.

Perez was still effective in the action he saw, maintaining a 2.00 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP, but the lack of usage could spell out what is ahead for the veteran. Cleveland instead opted for younger arms many times from the bullpen, especially as the season went on.

During the series against the Yankees, Perez was used for just a single out, being used in a mop-up role late in the first game of the series. Later in the series when games were close, other pitchers were called on instead of Perez.

There still might be baseball left in Perez, but unfortunately it doesn’t seem like it will be spent in Cleveland. Being a lefty with a strange delivery, there should still be a small market for Perez in free agency, but his time with the Tribe looks to have come to an end.

Roberto Perez – 2021 Club Option

With two years left of options on his current deal, Roberto Perez probably has the highest likelihood of returning on this list. The possibility of Perez not returning might even be below one percent.

While the 2020 season was a regression from Perez’s 2019 offensive outburst, he is still regarded as one of the best defensive catchers in baseball. His mind behind the plate is practically priceless. Him being behind the plate has been one of the key factors in the continued success of Cleveland’s pitching staff.

For that reason, his 2021 option of $5.5 million for next year seems like a bargain. During the 2020 season, Perez was perfect behind the plate with a 100% fielding percentage while also leading the majors in caught stealing percentage at an astounding 71%, the second consecutive season he led the stat.

His slash line of .165/.264/.216 is not good by any means, but his defense capabilities by far make up for it and make his contract well worth it. Most times, offensive production is just a plus from the catcher spot and Perez will sometimes have those moments. Defense is where the money goes and Perez’s option gives the Indians one of the best deals in baseball.