Cleveland Indians: Three non-tendered players for Tribe to pursue

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Brian Goodwin #17 of the Cincinnati Reds (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

The period to extend offers to non-tendered players has passed, so who should the Cleveland Indians explore signing from the list?

The list of non-tendered players has been released for this offseason and the Cleveland Indians should be one of the candidates to sign a few of them. After non-tendering Tyler Naquin, Delino DeShields and Jefry Rodriguez, perhaps the Indians will be looking to add a few names from the list.

There’s no question that the Indians are looking to save money this offseason. From not bringing players back like Carlos Santana, Cesar Hernandez and Brad Hand to trying to trade stars like Francisco Lindor, this team is in full money-saving mode. However, they will still have to field a team during the 2021 season.

Eventually, the Indians will be back to competing at a high level, but it will take some time. Most of the players that will take over the roles being vacated are still a few years away from being ready for the majors, meaning the Cleveland Indians will be in need of bridge and rental players, making the list of non-tendered players intriguing.

Like Naquin, DeShields and Rodriguez, most players that were non-tendered are still on the younger side with potential, but are also on the cheaper side. This should make them prime targets for the Indians. They can save money while filling roles with the hope of maybe finding a diamond in the rough out of at least one of the signees.

While the Indians should obviously take a look at the complete list of free agents and players that were non-tendered, these three stick out as the most possible to sign with Cleveland. They all have shown flashes of potential, but not enough to stick with a club for an extended period of time while also having the ability to play positions of need for the Tribe for the next season or more moving forward.

Next: Hanser Alberto

Hanser Alberto

One of the best players on the market to be non-tendered, when looking at WAR, is Hanser Alberto. A utility infielder, Alberto can play second, third or shortstop and began to emerge during the 2020 season.

At 28-years old, Alberto is still young enough that he could contribute for multiple years in Cleveland if needed. During the 2020 season, Alberto played 52 of his 54 games at second base, which is where he could slot in for the Cleveland Indians. The Indians have a double play duo of the future in the minors, but both Tyler Freeman and Gabriel Arias won’t be ready for another year or so.

Alberto is a strong second baseman, having a .987 fielding percentage over the duration of his career, playing 1,273 innings at second. While he struggled at the plate early in his career, he improved greatly the last two seasons.

During the 2019 season Alberto was able to slash .305/.329/.422 while knocking 12 home runs over 139 games and 524 at-bats. Those numbers dipped a bit this past year in 2020. Registering 231 at-bats, Alberto slashed .283/.306/.393 while the rest of his numbers stayed consistent with a slight improvement in doubles.

While he doesn’t jump off the page, Alberto would be able to fill in across the diamond, specifically at second. He has a steady average and could be a cheaper player for the Indians to sign.

Next: Brian Goodwin

Brian Goodwin

Another player that had a breakout-type season in 2020 that is now available after being non-tendered is Brian Goodwin. Starting with the Angels before being traded to the Reds, Goodwin had a hot start to the season before tapering off a bit.

When it was all said and done, Goodwin’s slash line was below average at .215/.299/.417, but he was still able to produce a balanced stat line. He contributed nine doubles, one triple and six home runs while tallying 22 RBI.

Goodwin’s upside is his fielding ability, holding a .981 fielding percentage in the outfield for his career. He’s most familiar with center field, meaning he could be a candidate to replace Delino DeShields’ role.

The key for Goodwin will be his price tag. He has potential, but hasn’t been able to put together a full season. If his price is low enough, the Indians’ outfield is a mess as is, so why not take a chance on a player like Goodwin who has shown flashes.

If anything, he would provide a strong outfield option off the bench or a trade piece at the trade deadline if it doesn’t work out. In a year that could be wasted, this is a chance that might be worth taking.

Next: Danny Santana

Danny Santana

This might seem like a longshot, but after some injury issues over the last few seasons, Danny Santana‘s price might be a bit lower than expected. He played just 15 games during the 2020 season and played just 15 games in 2018 as well while appearing in 130 during the 2019 season.

When healthy, Santana could be a gem for the Indians. He has the ability to play first and the outfield, both positions of need for the Indians, while also being solid at the plate. When healthy during the 2019 season, Santana slashed .283/.324/.534 with 28 home runs and 21 stolen bases. He’s also average to above average in the field, making for a very intriguing free agent.

Of course price will come into play for Santana. The best chance the Cleveland Indians have at landing him is if his price is low because of the injury history. There’s a chance that he could be in need of a one-year “prove it” type deal and that’s where the Indians could benefit.

Worst case, he doesn’t pan out and the Tribe move on, nothing they haven’t done in the past. Best case, he turns it on and produces well or the Indians find a suitor at the trade deadline and add prospects because of it.

Next. What’s left in the outfield after letting Naquin go?

The period to extend offers to non-tendered players has passed, so who should the Cleveland Indians explore signing from the list?

Hanser Alberto

Brian Goodwin

Danny Santana

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