9 moves the Cleveland Indians must make this offseason

2. Choose Jay Bruce

Jay Bruce was only a Cleveland Indian for two months, but in that short time, he had some moments that Tribe fans will remember for the rest of their lifetime.

There was the huge homer that continued the Tribe’s 22-game winning streak, and there was the monstrous home run he belted during the Tribe’s comeback from an 8-3 deficit during Game 2 of the ALDS.

The Indians aren’t going to be able to keep all of their free agents, and when you factor in the raises they’re going to give players already on their roster, the Tribe’s payroll just doesn’t leave any room for both Bruce and Santana.

Bruce made $12 million last season. He hit 36 homers between the Mets and Indians, while driving in 101 runs. He should be in line for a contract somewhere in the three-year, $45 million range.

If the Indians could get him in this range, they’d have him through his age 33 season, and he should still be a productive player.

Bruce can be a great every day player, and the Tribe still has Brandon Guyer if they need to give Bruce, who can be a very streaky hitter, some time off.