12 moves the Cleveland Indians must make to win 2019 World Series
7. Consider these names in RF
In right field, Lonnie Chisenhall can also walk. Lonnie Baseball has been hurt and unable to answer the bell for the postseason the past two years. Perhaps the Indians could re-sign him, although at a bargain.
Chisenhall may have no choice but to take it, because he just can’t stay healthy. Not many teams will be signing up to pay a 30-year-old outfielder who’s played 111 games over the past two seasons.
Tigers’ right fielder Nick Castellanos would be a dream addition, although the shipped might’ve sailed on a deal to bring him to Cleveland. He can be a free agent after next season and the Indians won’t give up a haul to rent a player for one season.
Just looking at the landscape, the Rangers would probably love to rid themselves of Shin-Shoo Choo’s contract. He’s owed some $40 million over the next two years. The Indians won’t even think about taking that on unless the Rangers take some money back (Jason Kipnis). This is a long shot, just throwing out who’s available.
Reds’ right fielder Scott Schebler is an intriguing option. He’s 28, but is just getting to be arbitration eligible. He can’t be a free agent until 2023. He hit 30 homers in 2017 and 17 last season, a season that was cut short to injury.
I’ve also wrote about the Indians trying to bring back Clint Frazier. Migraines really bothered the former Tribe farmhand last season, but before that, rumors were creeping up that Frazier was grumbling about not being able to get his shot with the big-league club.
The Yankees still need starting pitching, which is something the Tribe has, although if the Yankees decline Brett Gardner’s option, Fraizer figures to finally crack the big-league roster in 2019.
Another name worth considering may be Rockies’ outfielder Raimel Tapia. The 24-year-old is buried on the depth chart and has a lot ofupside. He’s appeared in the big leagues in each of the last three seasons, but he’s just never received an extended look.
In house, the Indians can bring back Brandon Guyer (team option) for $3 million. Show me someone excited about that and I’ll retire. Tyler Naquin is also option. After a promising rookie campaign, injuries have hampered the Indians the ability to get an idea of what they have in their former first-round pick.