Factory Of Sadness
FanSided

Cleveland Indians cannot let Carlos Santana walk in free agency

By Ryan Rosko

Jun 24, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier (2) is safe as he beats out a throw to Cleveland Indians first baseman Carlos Santana (41) in the first inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier (2) is safe as he beats out a throw to Cleveland Indians first baseman Carlos Santana (41) in the first inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

A key player in the Cleveland Indians’ lineup needs re-signed ASAP.

From the looks of things, it does not appear good right now that the Cleveland Indians will bring back 1B/DH Carlos Santana next season. Despite producing a low batting average, he has done well in other areas.

From solid overall production offensively (including his ability to walk often) to his defensive flexibility, Santana has a lot to offer. No, he is never going to be that 40 home run guy, but he does not need to be.

Santana is set to become a free agent after this season and no talks have been even rumored to have occurred. Troubling as it may sound, there could be a big hole in the lineup long-term if a plan does not get put into place.

More from Factory of Sadness

The best option at 1B or DH is Santana. No replacement is necessary. Some of you may not agree due to a number of reasons, possibly average related. I get that, but who else would Cleveland turn too?

If Santana is not brought back, they can only they can acquire a player like Mitch Moreland, who now plays 1B/DH for the Boston Red Sox. Cleveland tried to sign him this past offseason but failed.

Now, if you say free agency or trade, what would be the Tribe’s plan? If Santana could make $50-$60 million on the free agency market, what would you believe Cleveland’s range is to replace him?

Keep in mind, no one knows yet who will be available in the winter and it is unclear if the Tribe would be willing to trade multiple prospects for Santana’s replacement. According to baseball-reference.com, coming into Saturday’s game, Santana’s slash line was .224/.329/.386/.715, along with 9 home runs and 38 RBI.

As far as the minor leagues are concerned, I am looking strictly at their Triple-A team, the Columbus Clippers. Cleveland would need a replacement and cannot wait for those at lower levels to become legitimate options.

More from Cleveland Guardians

The following could be options, but I am not in favor of any of them being selected: 3B/2B/OF Yandy Diaz,1B Chris Colabello, and 1B Nellie Rodriguez.

Diaz needs to focus on one main position. Flexibility is nice, but it also could extend his stay even longer in the minors. That’s where the problem lies with Diaz. He struggled at times in Cleveland, but he has a lot of promise.

If Diaz just played at third, a possible transition to first could be possible. Then again, with Colabello and Rodriguez on the same roster, that is tough to make reality. Colabello is older than Santana (33 years old) and has struggled in his own right to stay consistent in the minors.

Rodriguez, on the other hand, has continued to make progress, but he is also very young. I remember watching him almost daily with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.

What comes to mind during those days then was that I, along with the rest of the workers and fans, were watching a player with some power and a lot potential. Rodriguez simply needs more reps, but his time is coming.

Next: Austin Jackson's subtle impact


At the end of the day, Cleveland’s front office and ownership has to ask themselves this: Is it worth spending what it takes to keep Santana? Or are they willing to go down the unknown route and possibly replace him with someone of a decreased value?

Home/Cleveland Guardians