The outfield is arguably the greater position-player need. The problem is the outfield trade market appears to be extremely weak.
Lonnie Chisenhall’s continued lower-body injury issues make right field, at least the strong side of a platoon there, a question mark that could be addressed. One of the most intriguing options available, a resurgent Shin-Soo Choo, is owed more than $40 million, which makes his name a non-starter for the Indians unless the Rangers are willing to pick up the majority of his contract. If the Rangers did that, the prospect return would have to be significant.
Indians manager Terry Francona said late last month that Mejía, who has split his time between catcher and outfield, is not an option for the major-league outfield this season. Mejía seems reluctant to play right field where he has spent a lot of time this season in Triple A. Still, if the Indians called upon Mejía to play right, it’s hard to believe he would absolutely refuse to take the position. The greater question is whether he’d hit enough to play in a corner and overcome whatever defensive challenges he has there.
