Indians: 5 former Tribe players the team should bring back to bolster the squad
By Chad Porto
The Cleveland Indians claim that they will use the money saved on the Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco deal to re-invest in the team.
The Cleveland Indians are reloading after trading away Francisco Lindor, who had a terrible 2020 season, and with his departure team, President Chris Antonetti promises that the team will reinvest in itself this offseason. The best way to reinvest in the team is to look at a few former Indians on the market, who could be had if the team is willing.
They’re all 30 or over and none of them should be seen as long-term fixes to a position but all of them carry something that justifies signing them. That’s why they’re on this list.
Honorable Mentions: Delino DeShields and Tyler Naquin.
Brad Miller
Brad Miller is a utility infielder who spent 13 games in Cleveland during the 2019 season. He may not seem like a big name or someone who can actually change the course of a team, but the Indians just lost their starting middle-infield from the 2020 campaign and need some affordable replacements. Miller wouldn’t be considered a starter, the Indians would probably bring up some Triple-A talent to find everyday starters but Miller, a career .240 hitter, who’s played time at every position on a baseball team defensively, would be uniquely valuable.
He may not be a game-changer but Terry Francona has always been someone who values versatility when looking for bench guys. Miller fills that need.
Miller made $1 million with the Indians, and then signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Cardinals. He’s easily a name the team can afford, even in this climate.