Cleveland Indians: Five affordable players to target in trades

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Eric Thames, Cleveland Indians, Washington Nationals

WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 11: Eric Thames #9 of the Washington Nationals bats against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park on September 11, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

Eric Thames – Washington Nationals

The Cleveland Indians have brought in veteran first basemen in the past who are at the end of their careers. They signed Jason Giambi and brought back Jim Thome. While Eric Thames hasn’t had the career Giambi or Thome did, he could be added to the same list.

Currently, the Indians have to decide whether or not to pick up Carlos Santana’s option for the 2021 season. Given Santana’s struggles this past year and his price tag of $17.5 million, it seems obvious that the Indians will be in the market for a first basemen.

Now, there are other options. The Indians could decline Santana’s option and bring him back on a cheaper deal or turn to an in-house option like Bobby Bradley or even Nolan Jones who is trying out first base in fall ball. However, if those don’t seem viable, then maybe they turn to Thames.

Thames has one year left on his deal with Washington and is set to make $4 million in 2021. While his numbers dipped in 2020, he has shown flashes. He hit 31 home runs for Milwaukee back in 2017 and then another 25 in 2019. He also drew 75 walks in 2017 and 51 in 2018 with a batting average of .247 in both of those seasons.

On paper, Thames might seem like a bit of a downgrade from Santana, but in reality they are very similar, Thames could just be significantly cheaper.

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