Cleveland Indians 2018-2019 Offseason Outlook

[Steve_424]

How many here would rather have the Meija trade back?

This would be your returning bullpen:

Goody
Edwards
Olson
Otero
Ramirez
Taylor

 

[Steve_424]

As we inch closer to Spring Training, I see the team adding one OF and one RP.

The pie in the sky signing is AJ Pollock, who would solidify the outfield and bolster the lineup. Marwin Gonzalez would be a good fit too, although he's probably too pricey as well. The two most realistic are Adam Jones and Nick Markakis.

Of course, if they're really willing to play Kipnis in LF, they could make a run at Moustakas or Dozier.

As for relievers, I'm not ruling out Cody Allen returning on a 1 year deal. Oliver Perez, Brad Brach, Justin Wilson, Sergio Romo, Greg Holland, Jerry Blevins, and others could help as well.

 

[BMAN]

Think I read Indians and Oliver Perez were both interested in him coming back. So I’d expect him to re-sign.

Edit-
Source:
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/12/quick-hits-perez-luzardo-dbacks.html

 

[sportscoach]

Think I read Indians and Oliver Perez were both interested in him coming back. So I’d expect him to re-sign.

Edit-
Source:
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/12/quick-hits-perez-luzardo-dbacks.html

I think he wants to come back, but since he hasn't signed yet, he is seeing if there is any better offers out there. Remember Joe Smith signed a pretty good deal last off season even with the mutual would like to return.

 

[Steve_424]

Brian Dozier goes to Washington for 1/$9 M.

 

[Urban]

He was very good in 2016 and 2017. Missed out on way more money with his poor 2018. Regardless, glad he is out of the division.

 

[Stark]

Would have thrown Brian Dozier $9 million for a year in an absolute heartbeat.

 

[Andrew Scheid]

Would have thrown Brian Dozier $9 million for a year in an absolute heartbeat.

It's pretty apparent that this offseason's number one priority was slashing payroll and that they're not going to be investing the money saved back into the roster.
The fact that they passed on a right handed bat that would instantly be in the lineup's top 4 because $9 million was too much of a commitment is excruciating.

 

[AZ_]

Dozier was a 1.0 WAR player whose OPS dipped below .700 last year and now we're going to overrate him as a "Top 4" hitter because the Indians didn't sign him.

 

[Lee]

It's pretty apparent that this offseason's number one priority was slashing payroll and that they're not going to be investing the money saved back into the roster.
The fact that they passed on a right handed bat that would instantly be in the lineup's top 4 because $9 million was too much of a commitment is excruciating.

I think we will spend the money we saved. I think we saved the money to spend because there is no more money to spend over last year. The dolans aren't high spenders because of the market, but they are not cheap either. Just average spenders.

There are a ton of free agents still, hell Harper still hasn't found a home. Its a very late free agent market, but we are not done with over 200 free agents still available.

 

[Urban]

I think Dozier is a good bounce back candidate. But paying $9m hoping a guy starts hitting like he did the year before is not a game the Indians are going to play with where they are with their payroll. They already have one overpaid, underperforming 2B

 

[Derek]

Dozier was a 1.0 WAR player whose OPS dipped below .700 last year and now we're going to overrate him as a "Top 4" hitter because the Indians didn't sign him.

"Scourge of Society" Jason Kipnis:
.230/.315/.389
18 HR
10.0% BB
18.6% K
2.1 fWAR

"Top 4 hitter" Brian Dozier:
.215/.305/.391
21 HR
11.1% BB
20.4% K
0.8 fWAR

 

[Lee]

"Scourge of Society" Jason Kipnis:
.230/.315/.389
18 HR
10.0% BB
18.6% K
2.1 fWAR

"Top 4 hitter" Brian Dozier:
.215/.305/.391
21 HR
11.1% BB
20.4% K
0.8 fWAR

I doubt it happens as I think Kipnis is just on the decline, but it would be nice to see Jason have a bounce back year.

 

[Andrew Scheid]

Dozier was a 1.0 WAR player whose OPS dipped below .700 last year and now we're going to overrate him as a "Top 4" hitter because the Indians didn't sign him.

He was suffering from back problems that plagued him for the majority of the season, which goes a long way to account for his dip in exit velocity.
His launch angle was still strong, and he's only one season removed from a 5 WAR season.
This lineup desperately needs right handed power, and he fits the profile for only $9 million.
Also, he would absolutely be the fourth best hitter in the lineup right now.
Steamer has him projected at 103 WRC+, which would have him behind only Lindor, JRam, and Santana.

 

[AZ_]

"Scourge of Society" Jason Kipnis:
.230/.315/.389
18 HR
10.0% BB
18.6% K
2.1 fWAR

"Top 4 hitter" Brian Dozier:
.215/.305/.391
21 HR
11.1% BB
20.4% K
0.8 fWAR

Excruciating.