The Cleveland Indians should go after Brian Dozier

The Cleveland Indians should pursue Brian Dozier.

The San Diego Padres have released Brian Dozier, making him a free agent. The veteran second basemen apparently asked for his release and the club granted it, making him available for another team to sign. With the current COVID-19 pandemic and the new rules for the upcoming baseball season, the Cleveland Indians should pursue the veteran infielder and add him to their bubble roster for the 2020 season.

Dozier had a good chance of getting a roster spot but after the Padres acquired Jorge Mateo, it seems like the veteran knew the writing was on the wall and opted to try his luck elsewhere. The Indians could find themselves in need of not only a quality infielder but a lockerroom leader should anyone on the team get injured, sick, or opt-out of the 2020 season.

Dozier is only 33 and hit around his career average last year for the World Series-winning Washington Nationals. He also raked 20 home runs in as well, something that could be valuable for the Indians during this shortened season. While never a great contact hitter, Dozier is someone who can come in off the bench in pinch-hit situations or fill in just about every infield position if needed. While he’s never played first or third base in an MLB game before, he has played shortstop and second, making him versatile enough to fill in anywhere on the diamond with some proper preparation.

He’s not someone that should or probably would replace Cesar Hernandez as he team’s everyday second basemen, but Dozier can easily get 45-55 games under his belt with the Indians opt to go with him as the team’s primary option off the bench. Team manager Terry Francona has always liked having a deep bench, but this year’s bench may just be the most shallow since Francona has started with the team.

Adding Dozier could give them someone reliable at the plate and in the clubhouse. Something this team is lacking without guys like Corey Kluber and Jason Kipnis leaving the team in the offseason.