Cleveland Indians: Three potential starting pitchers to add

There is nothing wrong with a veteran who just eats innings. The Indians will have plenty of high potential and front-line starters, but in a 162 game season, it may be prudent to have a steady veteran in the backend.

Trevor Williams is a free agent who can benefit from a winning situation, of which the Cleveland Indians offer. Again, switching leagues can’t be discounted for potential success facing new hitters. From 2017-2019 Williams had at least 25 starts, and a career 4.44 ERA. Seems just the right amount of average to me.

What is nice about Williams, is that he is capable of a hot streak that made him one of the top pitchers for the Pirates. In 2018, he made nine straight starts where he had a 0.66 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP.

While his numbers don’t jump off the page, his strikeouts per nine has improved every season, and from 2017-2019 he posted a positive WAR. If his walk rate decreases he could be a free agent steal.

Notice how I haven’t brought up 2020 yet? That was a bad year. Career worst ERA, WAR, and walk rate. 2020 hasn’t been the best year for most people, so a normal spring training and season may be just what the doctor ordered for Williams.

Still lackluster? Probably, but you’re looking for this veteran free agent to offer consistency, like Josh Tomlin used to. Even if the Indians know, that a fifth starter has a 4.44 ERA and will go five innings, that’s important and valuable to setup other pitchers and reset the bullpen.

Let’s take a look at one more pitcher, who may cost more, but sounds more fun if the Indians open their wallet a bit.