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Updated look at three under-the-radar free agents who could make sense for Cleveland Indians

By Aaron Gershon

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 14: Carlos Rodon #55 of the Chicago White Sox in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on April 14, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The White Sox defeated the Yankees 5-2. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 14: Carlos Rodon #55 of the Chicago White Sox in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on April 14, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The White Sox defeated the Yankees 5-2. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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PORT ST. LUCIE, FL – MARCH 08: Jake Marisnick #16 of the New York Mets in action against the Houston Astros during a spring training baseball game at Clover Park on March 8, 2020 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The Mets defeated the Astros 3-1. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PORT ST. LUCIE, FL – MARCH 08: Jake Marisnick #16 of the New York Mets in action against the Houston Astros during a spring training baseball game at Clover Park on March 8, 2020 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The Mets defeated the Astros 3-1. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

The Indians’ biggest need this offseason is outfield depth, specifically in centerfield. While the team hopes Oscar Mercado emerges as their centerfielder of the future, the team must add veteran help at this position this offseason making Jake Marisnick an intriguing option.

Marisnick has made a successful career out of being a platoon outfielder. He began his career with the Miami Marlins before being dealt to the Houston Astros, where his career began to take off.

In 2015, he helped Houston end a 10-year postseason drought by hitting nine home runs, stealing 24 bases and playing solid defense at all three outfield positions.

Two years later, he hit .246 with 16 home runs, and 35 RBI’s and helped the Astros win 101 regular season games. The team would go on to win the World Series, but he missed the postseason due to injury.

After two more seasons’ in Houston, Marisnick was traded to the New York Mets for the 2020 season. While held to just 16 games due to injury during the COVID shortened year, he put together a strong season while on the field as he slashed .333/.353/.606 with two home runs and five RBI’s.

While he’s not a player who will take the Indians to another level, he is the perfect compliment to Mercado. The young outfielder continues to develop and brings a winning mentality to an Indians team looking to get back to October.

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