3 Cleveland Indians who should be ready to pack their bags soon

3 Cleveland Indians who should be ready to pack their bags

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 29: Jose Ramirez #11 of the Cleveland Indians hits an RBI double during the third inning of Game One of the American League Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees at Progressive Field on September 29, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

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Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

. Roberto Perez. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. C, Cleveland Indians. 2.. player. 5

Surely with some hope 2020 was a small sample aberration at the plate (.165/.264/.216 slash-line, one home run in 32 games), the Indians picked up Perez’s $5.5 million option for 2021. He did win his second straight Gold Glove for his work behind the plate, so last season wasn’t a complete lost cause.

Perez had a career season offensively in 2019, with 24 home runs and 63 RBI. That was also the first time he topped 300 plate appearances in a normal season (449), and his career averages per 162 games (17 home runs, 61 RBI, 19 doubles) are solid. Good home run power and Gold Glove defense equals a catcher who is a significant asset.

The Indians acquired Austin Hedges from the San Diego Padres in the Mike Clevinger deal last year, so in theory they have a replacement for Perez this year. Their fourth-ranked prospect (per MLB.com) Bo Naylor, could push for a shot in the big leagues by the end of the season.

It feels like a foregone conclusion the Indians will decline Perez’s $7 million option for 2022, and instead pay a $450,000 buyout. So it makes sense to at least be open to moving him, perhaps after the season starts and he shows something closer to 2019 form at the plate.

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