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Indians: 3 former players who could return to Cleveland

By Steven Kubitza

CLEVELAND, OH - AUGUST 11: Jason Kipnis #27 of the Chicago Cubs runs out a double off starting pitcher Adam Plutko #45 of the Cleveland Indians during the third inning at Progressive Field on August 11, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - AUGUST 11: Jason Kipnis #27 of the Chicago Cubs runs out a double off starting pitcher Adam Plutko #45 of the Cleveland Indians during the third inning at Progressive Field on August 11, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images) /
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Asdrubal Cabrera, Cleveland Indians
PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 31: Asdrubal Cabrera #13 of the Washington Nationals during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on August 31, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 8-6. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /

2. Asdrubal Cabrera

Asdrubal Cabrera made his MLB debut with the Indians in 2007 and quickly became an everyday player before being sent to the Washington Nationals in 2014. He ended up bouncing around a bit before returning to the Nats in 2019 and becoming a World Series champion for the first time in his career.

The 35-year-old is now a free agent and is another cheap, veteran option like Kipnis. He can play all over the infield and could be a temporary replacement for Francisco Lindor at shortstop. He also brings legitimate postseason experience to what will be a young team.

The stats don’t jump off the page with Cabrera. He slashed .242/.305/.447 in the shortened 2020 season and posted a negative WAR. But once again, he is not coming in to be a star. He would just provide some stability and would be a step up from someone like Mike Freeman as a temporary option in the infield.

Cabrera made two All-Star Games with the Indians and will come cheap if he makes a return. His experience would be a nice addition and there is no hurt in bringing him in and seeing if he can still play at an acceptable level.

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