Cleveland Indians: 4 free agents to sign with Francisco Lindor savings

4 free agents the Cleveland Indians should look at after trading Francisco Lindor.

The Cleveland Indians saved big time by dealing Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco, shaving about $32 million off the payroll heading into the 2021 campaign.

While spinning the Lindor trade, Tribe president Chris Antonetti said he would be able to use some of the money saved in the deal to re-invest in the club for 2021.

The Indians currently have a payroll of around $36 million, meaning they’d have to spend $11 million to tie the Pirates and get out of the payroll cellar.

It’s not in the Indians DNA to spend all of the savings, or even half, for that matter. So, perhaps, the Indians could commit $11-$12 million to help out next year’s club.

If the Indians are going to go after someone, it better be at the dish, because the lineup looks pretty bad right now, with Jose Ramirez as the only proven offensive threat. I was throwing Franmil Reyes in there, and he played well in 2020, but Tribe fans have yet to see him play an entire 162-game season in an Indians uniform.

So, with a little money to spend, here’s a look at four free agents the Tribe should look at before commencing Spring Training in February (at least, we’re hoping that’s when it starts).