Indians surprisingly put former All-Star closer Brad Hand on waivers

The Cleveland Indians parted ways with an elite closer in Brad Hand.

The Cleveland Indians snuck into the postseason this year, largely relying on a pitching staff that was headlined by a guy who will likely win the Cy Young Award in Shane Bieber. While the Indians could make a playoff run in 2021, they decided to part ways with one of the best relief pitchers in the league in left-hander Brad Hand.

The Indians decided to waive Hand with the intention of declining his $10 million team option. Between Hand and Roberto Osuna, today was not a good day for the elite American League closers.

Brad Hand has been one of the best closers in baseball over the last half-decade

Hand was a failed starting pitcher with the Miami Marlins, but he instantly became one of the nastiest relief pitchers in baseball when he made the switch to the San Diego Padres. Since the 2016 seasons, Hand has posted a 2.70 ERA with San Diego and Cleveland while saving 104 games and making three All-Star teams.

Hand, who paired with James Karinchek to form one of the best 1-2 punches at the end of games across the entire league, paced the AL in saves last year with 16 while posting a 2.05 ERA. With a 1.37 FIP, advanced and traditional stats show that Hand should absolutely be considered an elite reliever. The fact the Indians are cutting one of the best players from a playoff team in the name of saving money is a crime against baseball.

The only reason Francisco Lindor is on the trade market right now is the fact that the Indians have been so fervent in their desire to cut costs despite seeing how quickly the Boston Red Sox were burned by trading Mookie Betts. Look for the Indians to regress in 2021 after they sent Hand away.