Fansided

Indians: 3 players we can’t afford to lose

By Steven Kubitza

CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 24: Francisco Lindor #12 of the Cleveland Indians warms up during the fourth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field on September 24, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 24: Francisco Lindor #12 of the Cleveland Indians warms up during the fourth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field on September 24, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images) /
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Carlos Santana, Cleveland Indians
CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 08: Carlos Santana #41 of the Cleveland Indians rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run off starting pitcher Jakob Junis #65 of the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Progressive Field on September 08, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images) /

2. Carlos Santana

Carlos Santana has already left the Indians once before. He signed with the Philadelphia Phillies for the 2018 season on a three-year deal. Naturally, he came back to the Indians in 2019 after being a part of several deals that offseason.

Santana is one of those players who isn’t a national star, but someone who has been reliable for years. He appeared in all 60 games in 2020 after playing in 158 in 2019 and making his first All-Star Game.

He has never posted a negative-WAR season and is capable of holding down any spot in the lineup. The problem, once again, is money.

The Indians declined his $17.5 million option for 2021 and while that is far above his current value, it would be tough to imagine the Indians shelling out even around $10 million for one season if the plan is to rebuild.

Santana will turn 35 years old early next season and the Indians may instead want to see what they have in a player like Bobby Bradley at first base. Franmil Reyes could also slide into the designated hitter spot as the Indians evaluate the young talent in town. This is not about winning, but rather about rebuilding for another chance to compete.

However, him leaving would be a huge blow to the locker room, the lineup, the defense, and the overall state of the team. It would signal a major change and Edwin Encarnacion isn’t around this time to hold down the spot in the order.

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