Cleveland Indians: 3 realistic options for cash-strapped Tribe

3 realistic free-agent options for the cash-strapped Cleveland Indians.

Despite the inactivity of the Cleveland Indians this winter, free agency is actually taking place, as the Tribe just watched their closer of the past couple of seasons, Brad Hand, sign a contract with the Washington Nationals.

The Indians payroll currently sits between $35 and $40 million. The Tribe said they would re-invest some of the money they saved by trading Francisco Lindor to the Mets, but the front office won’t likely be able to spend more than $10 million.

Michael Brantley just signed a two-year $32 million deal, making us all feel foolish about even thinking about his return to Cleveland. Meanwhile, Eddie Rosario doesn’t look like a realist fit.

The Indians are always fiscally conservative, but they’re taking it to another level in 2021. The club couldn’t host fans last season and it remains to be seen how many fans can attend in this year.

Plus, there’s uncertainty of baseball’s collective bargaining agreement. Will the season start on time? With pitchers and catchers on schedule to report in about three weeks, it’s a question we should soon be getting an answer to.

Until then, here’s three free agent the cash strapped Tribe might have a shot at signing before Opening Day.