Cleveland Indians: 3 impacts Eddie Rosario will have on 2021 Tribe

1. He doesn’t have to be an MVP candidate

Signing Rosario is an excellent move because the outfield was so starved for help.

Before Rosario, the Indians were going to construct their outfield from this bunch: Jordan Luplow, Daniel Johnson, Oscar Mercado, Josh Naylor and Jake Bauers. Nolan Jones’ name was tossed about, but he wasn’t likely to break camp with the team.

And of course, there’s been rumors of Franmil Reyes working with his outfield glove this winter. Yeah…right.

Rosario isn’t Aaron Judge or Giancarlo Stanton in their primes, nor does have to be in Cleveland.  He’s the definition of a solid player capable of hitting 25-30 homers. For a team like the Indians–to be able to sign him for $8 milllion–it’s a stellar move.

Rosario will probably slot into left field, because that’s where he’s spent a lot of his career. He’s played in center and right field, but I think it’s more likely the Tribe tries Josh Naylor out in right. Spring Training will sort that out.