Despite not having their best hitter (Michael Brantley) and two of their three best starters (Carlos Carrasco, Danny Salazar), the Indians pushed the best team in baseball to extra innings in Game 7 of the World Series this year.
The Indians are now trying to get over the hump and win their first World Series championship since 1948. Brantley, Carrasco and Salazar will be back next season, and that's a good start. The club also wants a big right-handed bat for the middle of the lineup, and they have been making contract offers this winter.
Indians have been making offers to right power guys but -- no surprise -- are seeking a deal (steal?). EE, Nap, Carter, etc
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 19, 2016
Mike Napoli swatted 34 home runs as Cleveland's cleanup hitter this past season, and the Indians are still looking to replace him. Edwin Encarnacion would be ideal, though my guess is he'll be out of their price range. Ditto Mark Trumbo. Chris Carter and Mark Reynolds are more affordable alternatives.
According to Cot's Baseball Contracts and the arbitration projections at MLB Trade Rumors, the Indians currently have $97.25 million tied up in 16 roster spots. The other nine spots figure to go to players making something close to the league minimum, putting their tentative 2017 Opening Day payroll at around $102 million.
The Indians opened 2016 with a franchise-record $96.3 million payroll. Cleveland received a huge financial windfall from their World Series run -- and they have more money coming thanks to increased attendance going forward -- so payroll should go up. Enough to land a big righty bat? That seems to be the hope.
