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

While the offseason may see the Cleveland Indians enter rebuilding mode, there are still low-cost free agents they should consider to help the club stay competitive.

The Cleveland Indians are entering an offseason that may see the organization transition from competing to rebuild mode.

Playing in a small market usually means windows are shorter and with Francisco Lindor, a free agent after the 2021 season and the team still not having won a World Series despite four postseason trips in five years, the Indians may just opt to blow things up.

Even if the Indians do make drastic changes this offseason, there are plenty of free agents they should consider.

Several rebuilding clubs have taken one-year flyers on veteran free agents who often help mentor young players and then serve as important trade chips come July. This is a model the Indians must follow; thus, expect them to be shopping in the bargain aisle this offseason.

With that said, here are three low-cost, external free agents the Tribe should consider signing this offseason to help the team stay competitive, mentor young players and then eventually serve as trade chips.

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.

UTL, Brock Holt (32)

2020 Stats: .211/.283/.274 0 HR, 5 RBI

There are few players in all of baseball more versatile than 32-year old Brock Holt. After starting his career as a Pittsburgh Pirate in 2012, Holt found a home with the Boston Red Sox.

Holt helped the Red Sox win the World Series in both 2013 and 2018 and even hit for the only cycle in postseason history during Boston’s 16-1 2018 Game 3 ALDS victory over the New York Yankees.

He was named an All-Star in 2015 after hitting .280/.349/.379 with two homers and 45 RBI’s as he served as one of Boston’s most important players for much of the past decade.

While 2020 was a rough one for Holt, split between the Milwaukee Brewers and Washington Nationals, Holt’s ability to play five different positions (2B, 3B, LF, CF, RF) and history performing on the big stage provides value and is earning of a one-year MLB deal.

For the Indians, he’d be a perfect fit. He could provide the Tribe a spot start at five different positions, serve as a mentor and if he is able to rediscover the success from his Boston days, could serve as a summer trade chip.