Cleveland Indians: Five former Indians who could return in 2021

Jay Bruce

While he was only in Cleveland for a cup of coffee during the 2017 season, playing just 43 regular season games in an Indians’ uniform, Jay Bruce could end up in Cleveland for a much longer stay in 2021.

Since leaving Cincinnati in a trade during the 2016 season, Bruce hasn’t spent two full consecutive seasons in the same city. He spent the 2017 season split between the Mets and Indians, 2018 with the Mets, 2019 split between the Mariners and Phillies and then 2020 with the Phillies. Despite all the moving around, he’s still remained a steady bat in any lineup.

Believe it or not, Bruce is actually the same age as Michael Brantley. Bruce debuted a season earlier, but both are 33-years old. While Bruce doesn’t necessarily have the name recognition or accolades of Brantley, he’s still just as serviceable.

Bruce’s numbers have sloped just a bit recently, but that should lower his price for the Indians. He would provide a veteran presence at a low price while locking down one of the corner outfield positions with potential to play first if needed. Worst case, he ends up getting traded to a contender near the deadline. The Indians really don’t have much to lose in a potential deal here.