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Cleveland Indians: Five potential free agent bargains to sign

By Ryan Rosko

NEW YORK - OCTOBER 07: Gloves and ball sit on the field during batting practice before Game Three of the American League Division Series between the New York Yankees and the Cleveland Indians at Yankee Stadium on October 7, 2007 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 07: Gloves and ball sit on the field during batting practice before Game Three of the American League Division Series between the New York Yankees and the Cleveland Indians at Yankee Stadium on October 7, 2007 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 06: Seth Smith
BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 06: Seth Smith /

Seth Smith, OF

Let’s say the platoon route is the only way we will see adjustments in the outfield. Assuming that is the case, Seth Smith would fill in well either in left or right field.

Now, Smith would be an upgrade over say an Abraham Almonte and Brandon Guyer. Between injuries and suspensions during his in Cleveland, Almonte is not reliable nor is Guyer, whose best skill is just getting hit by the pitch.

Then again, a number of players could be viewed as upgrades over those guys.

Smith made $7 million while with the Baltimore Orioles last season! The Indians wouldn’t come close to that amount this year though.

If Smith landed in Cleveland, his streak of playing triple-digit games could be at risk. Last season was the fewest amount of games he played in at 111, so the downside has already started.

During that time, Smith accumulated 13 home runs but just 32 RBI to go along with a slash line of .258/ .340/ .433/ .774. It is a regular thing to see veteran players play the waiting game as they look to sign somewhere. Depending on the player, a starting gig is not always guaranteed even if they feel they deserve one. That may be the case with Smith.

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Although Smith technically could start with the Indians, it likely wouldn’t happen on a regular basis. If Smith’s market drops to around $3 million maybe Cleveland bites. The question though would he be content with a platoon role? All stats were via baseball-reference.com.

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