Cleveland Indians: 3 low-cost free agents to consider this offseason

OF, Jackie Bradley Jr. (30)

2020 Stats: .283/.364/.450, 7 HR, 22 RBI

By far, the Indians’ biggest need this offseason is outfield help. Neither Oscar Mercado and Delino DeShields emerged as reliable starters in center field while the team had to platoon at both the corner outfield spots.

While platooning the corners might work, finding an everyday center fielder is crucial and long time Red Sox Jackie Bradley Jr. could be just that at a low-cost.

The 30-year old Bradley is a seasoned veteran who earned a World Series ring as a member of Boston’s 40-man roster in 2013 and then earned another as their starting center fielder in 2018.

He is among baseball’s best defensive outfielders as he earned a Gold Glove in 2018 and has made jaw-dropping catches that have often been featured all over every baseball highlight reel.

At the plate, Bradley has had his ups and downs. His best career year at the plate happened to be in 2020, where he slashed .283/.364/.450 with seven homers, but before that, he had never hit above .267. Still, he has proven to be a threat to knock the ball out of the park as he has put together two 20-plus home run seasons and earned a start in the 2016 All-Star Game.

At 30-years old, and being mostly known for defense, Bradley likely won’t need more than a 1-year deal, meaning he’d be perfect for the Indians.

His experience winning a World Series would make for a great mentor for young players such as Mercado while he should also be a power upgrade in the outfield and provide stellar defense.

If Bradley hits the way he did in 2020, he will also likely be a hot commodity come the trade deadline, which would be perfect for an Indians team likely entering rebuild mode.