Cleveland Indians rumors: Yasiel Puig gets offer from Orioles

Former Cleveland Indians OF Yasiel Puig got a free-agent offer from the Orioles

News of the former Cleveland Indians outfielder Yasiel Puig getting an offer from the Baltimore Orioles conjured up memories of the trade that brought the Wild Horse fo the north shore.

During the offseason, there was plenty of banter as to whether the Dolans would pony up to bring Puig back. Serious followers of the Tribe new it was a long shot, as Puig was perceived as someone looking for a big contract.

Now, with news breaking that the Orioles made an offer to Puig, you’ve got to wonder what’s out there for the one-time phenom. With the world dealing with economic uncertainty, it’s hard to believe Puig got a lucrative offer.

If you subscribe to wRC, Puig was just a tick above average from the plate last season. Even before COVID, GMs weren’t lining up to pay average free agents approaching 30 years old mega contracts. Nothing has been reported on the details of Baltimore’s offer, but it’s rumored to be a one-year pact.

Puig’s recent offer has me thinking about the one-year of the trade that made him an Indians, as well as Franmil Reyes.

Francisco Lindor is the most important player in the Tribe’s lineup, while Jose Ramirez is right, there, too. Now that the obvious is out of the way, Reyes should be viewed as the next important piece. If he doesn’t produce as a middle-of-the-order, right-handed stick, the Indians are going to be in trouble, no matter how many games they end up playing.

Before COVID, it was assumed Reyes would fall out of bed and hit 40 bombs. That said, he did struggle after the trade, hitting .228 with a .759 OPS for the month of August. He played better in September, and the expectation was that he’d return to form with a fresh start.

With an emphasis on the Indians to rack up wins quickly out of the gate, Reyes’ bat can’t fall asleep. In a nine-man lineup, it’s ridiculous to put all the pressure on one hitter, but when it comes to a barometer in this shortened, 60-game season, it’s not crazy to believe that so goes Reyes, so go the Indians.

Scott Moss

The 6-foot-6 southpaw made his first start of the season in summer camp, pitching in the Tribe’s summer camp intrasquad game.

He allowed two runs on three hits with six strikeouts.

It’s unclear as what his role could be, although if the Indians take their time building up starters, Moss seems like a prime candidate to pitch some long relief.

Prior to COVID shutting baseball down, Moss name was often talked about as someone who could fill in for a spot start. His name was even floated as a fifth-starter following the spring injury to Mike Clevinger.

Logan Allen

Allen the I, not to be confused with the other Logan Allen, who was recently just drafted, is with the Indians and has been described as “work in progress” by Terry Francona.

"“He can get the ball into the 90s and has some movement, along with two other pitches,” Francona said. “The consistency will be a big deciding factor in how quickly he can help us.”"

Like Moss, Allen’s name was floated as a spot starter or possible fifth starter when the Indians needed one.

Trevor Bauer

Reds fans are excited about Trevor Bauer, as Cincinnati has a great front three behind Sonny Gray, Luis Castillo and Bauer. Anthony DeScalfani and Wade Miley should round out the rotation. With the Tribe playing six games against Cincinnati, wins are going to be earned.

This is a big season for Bauer, who needs the year of service time to hit free agency in 2021. During the labor negations, he wasn’t shy about voice his opinion via social media and was happy to weigh in.

Taylor Trammell

Trammell was the player the Padres coveted in the deal, and he’s probably the best bet of a Padres’ prospect cracking the lineup in 2020.

He’s coming off a down season, especially after the trade, as Trammell slash line was .229/.316/.381 after the trade. He reminded doubters why the Padres made the trade in Spring Training, batting .391 with a 1.049 OPS before COVID shut it down.