Fansided

One free agent each MLB team needs to target this offseason

By Joshua Sadlock

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 27: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning during Game 5 of the 2019 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Sunday, October 27, 2019 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 27: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning during Game 5 of the 2019 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Sunday, October 27, 2019 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 04: Didi Gregorius #18 of the New York Yankees in action against the Texas Rangers at Yankee Stadium on September 04, 2019 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Rangers 4-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 04: Didi Gregorius #18 of the New York Yankees in action against the Texas Rangers at Yankee Stadium on September 04, 2019 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Rangers 4-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Cleveland Indians: Didi Gregorius

Cleveland faces a difficult offseason after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2015. The Indians are two years away from losing Corey Kluber and Francisco Lindor, and there is a growing sense that the club needs to trade at least one of its big stars. Cleveland’s farm system has been hit by trades and picking towards the end of the draft. Dealing Lindor now instead of next season would net the Indians the maximum return and may allow them to move seamlessly into their next championship window with a few lean years.

Related Story. 5 teams that should make a big trade offer for Lindor. light

From an emotional standpoint, seeing Lindor traded would be a crushing blow for Indians fans, but it is probably the right move. If the superstar is dealt, the Indians will need to find a suitable replacement. Former Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius, who made just $11.75 million last year and was not given a qualifying offer, may be able to approximate Lindor’s raw power numbers at a fraction of the cost.

Gregorius emerged from obscurity with the Yankees to become one of the better power-hitting shortstops in the league. He is a .269/.313/.446 hitter with 97 home runs and 360 RBI since taking over for Derek Jeter in 2015. Gregorius had his best year in 2018 when he hit .268/.335/.494 with 27 home runs and 86 RBI in 134 games.

Let’s be clear – Gregorius is a far cry from Lindor, but is the best replacement available on the market if the Indians have to replace their All-Star this winter. Gregorius is a low-OBP hitter, but he will hit the ball out of the park and play solid defense. He missed half of 2019 recovering from elbow surgery but hit 16 home runs and drove in 61 runs in only 82 games.

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