Cleveland Indians: Three last minute free agent additions to explore

Three potential free agent additions for the Cleveland Indians

We’re roughly a dozen games into the 2021 Spring Training schedule and the Cleveland Indians, like everyone else in the league, are starting to get a grasp for what their roster will be like. With such a long layoff for some of these players who maybe didn’t play in 2020, this spring might be one of the most important in a long time.

While everyone has had roster turnover, the Indians specifically will have a much different look in the coming year. Players like Francisco Lindor, Carlos Carrasco and Carlos Santana are elsewhere and have left holes behind. Luckily, it seems like the front office has done a solid job of prepping for these moves while also reloading this past offseason. Nearly every gap that was on the roster was given some sort of clarification, whether it be a long-term or band-aid fix.

With that being said, there’s always the possibility of improvement and the Cleveland Indians have left a hole or two that could still be addressed before the season begins. There’s also the possibility of injury or some other reason that could open the door for the Tribe to sign someone. Whatever the reason may be, the front office still needs to keep an eye on the free agent list and have players in mind that could be additions.

At times, free agency hasn’t been a big part of the Indians plan, but adding players like Eddie Rosario and Billy Hamilton have opened the door for virtually endless possibilities of how the Tribe could tap into free agents. Should the team decide to return to the free agent pool at any point, these three players could be serviceable additions to the roster. Even if added now, they hold value that the team is either lacking or completely without.

Neil Walker

It’s been more than a handful of seasons since Neil Walker collected the Silver Slugger award, but at 35-years old he could still be a player that the Cleveland Indians should explore. Having played multiple positions, Walker offers a veteran presence at multiple spots while also offering a stable glove at the first base position.

Bobby Bradley and Jake Bauers are currently the two lead horses in the race for first base, but neither have an all-around game yet. Bradley has offense, but needs improvement in the field while Bauers is the opposite. If the Indians feel that neither are ready, then Walker could be a veteran option to add.

While most of Walker’s experience has been at second base, he still has almost 1,000 innings at first with a .995 fielding percentage. Having a reliable glove like that at a position in question would be a smart addition to the bench, or maybe even the starting lineup. Also, his ability to play second, third and even the outfield makes it easier to justify giving him a roster spot.

I will say that Walker’s bat has slowed down some, slashing .231/.244/.308 last season, but those numbers are still better than Bauers in terms of a defensive first basemen and his fielding is more reassuring than Bradley. Also, being near the end of his career, this would be a cheap, low-risk deal for the Indians.

Homer Bailey

You can never have too many pitchers and adding veterans in the minor leagues is a common trend. Adam Plutko currently fills the role of the player that goes back-and-forth between Triple-A and the majors, but another wouldn’t hurt, especially with such a young rotation. After moving Carlos Carrasco, there’s still a question mark on the fifth spot in the rotation and that’s where Homer Bailey could be added.

Turning 35-years old in May, Bailey is nearing the end of his career, but still has some left in the tank. He also has the ability to either start or come out of the bullpen, which means he would be added to the mix of Plutko, Cal Quantrill and others along those lines. However, as I said this Indians’ rotation is going to be young and could have some road bumps. Having a veteran presence in Bailey to not only help the younger guys learn, but also pitch when needed could be huge.

Last year, Bailey only pitched eight innings for Minnesota, but in 2019 he tossed 163.1 innings between Kansas City and Oakland. His 4.57 ERA isn’t great, but he wouldn’t have to be great in his role. He would just need to hold down the fort when needed and provide veteran guidance.