MLB free agency: One player each team should sign

MLB free agency: One free agent each team should sign

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 24: Kansas City Royals First base Eric Hosmer (35) during the game between the Kansas City Royals and the Chicago White Sox on September 24, 2017 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois.(Photo by Jerome Lynch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 2: Carlos Santana #41 of the Cleveland Indians celebrates after scoring against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning at Comerica Park on September 2, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

Cleveland Indians: Carlos Santana

The Indians laid down a significant sum of cash last winter to land Edwin Encarnacion to serve as their designated hitter. Even so, the Tribe still ranks 19th this season in team payroll. Another deep postseason run could fuel another leap in spending from ownership.

Cleveland has two major free agents who will hit the market this winter — Jay Bruce and Carlos Santana. Bruce was a late addition at the end of August, and has been productive as a replacement for Michael Brantley and Lonnie Chisenhall. Santana has been the full-time first baseman and is having another solid season despite a slight dip in his power numbers.

Santana is in the final year of a six-year, $31.8-million contract and will be seeking to cash in on the open market for the first time in his eight-year career. He is one of the most patient hitters in the league and can be counted on to reach base at an above-average clip.

This will be an interesting offseason for an Indians team that has few obvious weaknesses. First base is the only position of need. Even with an increased budget, Eric Hosmer will still be out of their price range. Logan Morrison or Yonder Alonso are potential options for the Indians, but keeping a familiar face like Santana may be more attractive.

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