Indians: 3 moves to become clear AL Central favorites

1. Add any veteran free agent outfielder

We talked about the Indians trading for some starting outfield help on an earlier slide. Another option is to control their own path and sign a veteran outfielder, even if they must overpay a bit.

The Indians made the curious decision to move on from Tyler Naquin after his five years with the team in favor of hosting a competition among a group of young players.

At this point the team is going to save so much they should target a number of available outfielders. Perhaps they arrange a reunion with Yasiel Puig. Joc Pederson is a player who could be a realistic target as well. And Michael Brantley is sitting out on the market. That would be a welcome reunion if the Indians want to apply this year’s savings on a two-year deal with an option in 2022, or something along those lines.

Anyone would help at this point. The Indians are notorious for bringing in average veteran talent in spring training and seeing who sticks. Why not get a proven starter and cut out the competition? If the player struggles, at least ownership made an attempt to look competitive.

And if the added help indeed helps, the Indians will stay in the race in the Central.