Cleveland Indians: 4 free agents to sign with Francisco Lindor savings
4. Jackie Bradley
If you’re apprehensive over the idea of Oscar Mercado starting in center come Opening Day, welcome. I’m pulling for Mercado, but based off what we saw last season, I’m not optimistic.
Bradley hit .283 (.814 OPS) with seven homers last season and would bring some consistency to an outfield roster that is more unsettled than my stomach after eating a few ballpark hot dogs.
Bradley can fill in a huge need on defense, as well. Fangraphs rated him as MLB’s sixth best defensive fielder a season ago. Obviously, that’s a huge upgrade over Mercado and Delino DeShields Jr.
There’s some speculation that the Mets may be moving on to Bradley as their next order of business, and if they do, well, there’s no way the Tribe’s going to enter a bidding war with Francisco Lindor’s new team.
Player the Indians could trade next. dark. Next
It may come down to what the Mets do about George Springer. If they make a play to sign him, even after trading for Lindor, Bradley won’t be needed.