ESPN’s Jim Bowden Lists Cleveland Indians As Fits For Austin Jackson And Dexter Fowler

Aug 26, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Justin Upton (10) rounds the bases after hitting a solo homer against the Washington Nationals during the seventh inning at Nationals Park. The San Diego Padres won 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

ESPN baseball insider Jim Bowden believes the Cleveland Indians would be the best fit for for remaining free agents Justin Upton , Austin Jackson or Dexter Fowler.

Editor’s Note: Justin Upton has since signed with the Detroit Tigers.

It’s easy to say Justin Upton makes sense to the Cleveland Indians. He plays the outfield. Is right handed and has some power. A match, right?

Yes, if baseball had a salary cap. But it doesn’t. And the Dolan family didn’t win the recent $1 billion Powerball jackpot.

Acquiring Upton won’t happen, but that’s not going to stop “insiders” from writing about.

Take ESPN’s Jim Bowden, for example. The former GM knows the Indians can’t afford him, but Bowden knows what his bat would mean to the Indians’ lineup (subscription required).

"“They have said they can’t afford him, but Upton would be a difference-maker in that Indians lineup. The Tribe has a great young starting rotation, but they need one more impact player to reach October play.”"

Upton is coming off an All-Star season with the Padres. He cracked 26 homers with 81 RBI and has hit at least 26 moonshots in each of the last three seasons.

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It’s a little surprising to some that Upton is still on the open market. Perhaps the Indians would be willing to shell out a little cash if it only meant a one-year investment. It would behoove Upton to take such a deal if he can’t find the long-term pact he’s seeking because the free-agent crop will be thin next winter.

OK, so Upton had a short list of teams he wouldn’t play for back in 2014 when the details of his “no-trade” clause were revealed. The Indians were on the list. But at the off chance Upton has since visited Cleveland and realized how great it is, here’s a scenario in which the Tribe can sign him.

A one-year contract would allow Upton to test the market again after the 2016 season, when he could be a top-shelf free agent at the age of 29.

This is all wishful thinking, but watch what happens after Yoenis Cespedes finally signs. How long will it take for a team to finally scoop Upton up?

Bowden listed the Angels, Cardinals, White Sox and Rangers as other fits for Upton.

Since you’ve got better odds to win the Powerball jackpot twice than the Indians do of signing Upton, there’s still hope within the fan base that Cleveland can sign center fielders Dexter Fowler or Austin Jackson.

Remember, Michael Brantley will miss some time with a shoulder injury to open the year. Lonnie Chisenhall is a great defender in right field, and Rajai Davis can play all three spots–albeit inconsistently. The Tribe also has Abraham Almonte, who had some moments in 2015.

With that said, either Jackson or Fowler could step in to solidify the center field spot.

Bowden wrote of Fowler: “The Indians need another outfielder, and he’s better than their other offseason acquisitions (Rajai Davis, Collin Cowgill, and Joey Butler).”

And the following about Jackson: “They need more outfield depth, especially with Michael Brantley (shoulder surgery) expected to begin the year on the disabled list.”

Fowler will be 30 when the season begins, but he does offer a little pop. He had a higher average against lefties last season (.326), but hit the long ball better off righties (13 of of his 17 came against right handers), while his average suffered (.228)

Jackson hit lefties well last season, batting .281 with a .770 OPS. However, over the past three seasons, he’s hit both lefties (.265) and righties (.264) the same, with a slightly better OPS against southpaws (.729 compared to .688).

Both guys can steal a base, and as Bowden points out, would be better than what the Indians are ready to run out there on opening day.

Undoubtedly, the Indians still feel burned by the contracts they gave to Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn, so I don’t see Cleveland offering a multi-year deal to either one of these guys.

And if your Jackson and Fowler, that’s what you want. Fowler will be 30, and Jackson will be 29 at the season’s start. They need to get as much security as they can, right now.

Perhaps as Spring Training nears, the Indians might be able to get one of these guys on a one or two year contract.

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The other top contenders for Jackson include the Diamondbacks, Cubs, Orioles, Pirates and Angels.

Fits for Fowler include the Angels, A’s and Braves.

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