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

LHP, Aaron Loup (32)

2020 Stats: 3-2, 2.52 ERA, 25 IP, 22 K

For much of 2020, the Indians bullpen served as a strength but had one big hole: a need for a mid-relief, left-handed specialist.

That role belonged to 39-year old Oliver Perez, who, despite posting a 2.00 ERA in 2020, still struggled when the Indians needed him most.

To help fill that hole, the Indians should consider adding Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Aaron Loup. Loup is a 32-year old veteran who has spent most of his career with the Toronto Blue Jays.

He was a key member of the Blue Jays bullpen 2015 and 2016 clubs that reached the ALCS and after an injury-riddled 2019 with the San Diego Padres, put together a career-year with the Rays in 2020.

In 24 outings, Loup posted a 2.52 ERA and earned three wins as he helped Tampa clinch their first AL East title since 2010.

Despite his success, the Rays will likely let him walk as a free agent given their world of pitching depth, meaning the 32-year old Loup will likely hit the open market seeking a short-term home.

He would be a perfect fit for the Indians as a mid-relief option to help take pressure off Nick Wittgren and James Karinchak and could also become a useful trade chip come July when nearly all contenders are seeking pitching depth.