3 free agents Cleveland Guardians should rush to sign with lockout over

1. Cleveland Guardians should target Josh Harrison INF/OF

The Cleveland Guardians love versatility, and that’s Cincinnati native Josh Harrison. He’s played mostly infield–every position except first base–and he owns an outfielder’s glove as well.

He reportedly had some offers before the lockout, but never signed. Interest didn’t seem to be that high in him before the 2021 season and he ended up signing $1 million deal with the Nationals.

Translation: He’s in the Guardians’ pay range.

He’s one of those players you’d love to have on your side in close games. He’s experience and can still handle the bat. He hit .279 last season while carrying a .341 on-base percentage.

You’d probably want him playing infield and the Guards happen to have a glut of middle infielders in their pipeline. That said, I’m not sure who’s ready to roll from day one. There’s lots of question marks at second and short. Can Andres Gimenez hold short? Will Amed Rosario move to the outfield.

Signing Harrison gives Terry Francona options and he’s going to be a tough out for opposing pitchers.