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Indians: Cleveland can’t afford to not go after Khris Davis

By Chad Porto

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 11: Khris Davis #2 of the Oakland Athletics stands in the dugout during the game against the Cleveland Indians at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on May 11, 2019 in Oakland, California. The Athletics defeated the Indians 3-2. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 11: Khris Davis #2 of the Oakland Athletics stands in the dugout during the game against the Cleveland Indians at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on May 11, 2019 in Oakland, California. The Athletics defeated the Indians 3-2. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /
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The Indians should be going hard after Khris Davis.

The Texas Rangers designated the 33-year-old power hitter for assignment on Tuesday, ending the ballclub’s affiliation with Khris Davis. The former star with the Oakland A’s, Davis has been a well-regarded power-hitter, but his average was never that impressive; topping out at a career .241. The Rangers saw Davis struggle through the first two months of the 2021 season and ended up designating him for assignment, making him priority one for the Indians.

He hit 40+ home runs for three straight seasons with the A’s not too long ago (2016-2018), and still has pop in the bat. Now, no one is suggesting an outrageous deal to land him, veterans minimum should get the job done. It’s also worth noting before someone screams it in the comment section, that no, this isn’t a cure-all for the Tribe’s woeful offense.

It is something though.

The Indians need to sign Khris Davis, even if they end up following suit.

Yes, the last season and a half have not been good for Khris Davis, admittedly. What are we expecting though from Davis? A competent defensive outfielder, with great power, and a big enough bat to warrant a spot as a DH while Franmil Reyes recovers from his injury.

No one expects Davis to hit .300, hit 40 home runs, or 130 RBI’s. If we get .200, with 20 home runs and 70 RBI’s that’ll be enough to warrant an investment in him. It’s not exactly like anyone in the outfield can’t be easily replaced, save for maybe Josh Naylor.

Sure, it’s just as likely he’s washed up and has nothing left in the tank. So be it, it’s not like you traded for the guy. It’s at least an opportunity to see what he can do for you and maybe see if the Indians’ hitting coach can return the man to form. Stranger things have happened in baseball.

Giving Davis a chance is a zero-risk situation. So why not do it?

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