Indians: 1 prospect to call up, 1 veteran to demote in May

Indians: 1 prospect to call up, 1 veteran to demote

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 29: Bobby Bradley #40 of the Cleveland Indians walks on the field during an exhibition game against the Oakland Athletics at Las Vegas Ballpark on February 29, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Athletics defeated the Indians 8-6. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

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GOODYEAR, ARIZONA – MARCH 12: Jake Bauers #10 of the Cleveland Indians gets ready to make a play against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Goodyear Ballpark on March 12, 2021 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

1. Indians need to release Jake Bauers

Bauers is just not cutting it at the MLB level. The 25-year-old joined the organization late in 2018 in a deal that saw the team send Yandy Diaz to the Tampa Bay Rays.

Bauers struggled in 2019 with a slash line of .226/.312/.371. But it was still early in his career so the Indians had patience.

Then he failed to make a single appearance with the club in 2020, only to continue his struggles in 2021. Bauers is slashing .186/.271/.233 so far this season.

It is tough for him to get anything going at the plate as he splits time with Chang and Naylor in the lineup. However, the lack of playing time is results-based so the Indians just need to accept his acquisition was a bust and move on.

The offense as a whole is being hurt with all the constant changes at first base. Calling up Bradley allows Chang to return to a utility role and keep Naylor in right field. Jobs can be defined and the organization can finally see if Bradley is worth the hype.

Bauers should be able to find a job somewhere if he is let go. But things are just not working in Cleveland and a split is best for both sides.

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