Four potential outfielders the Indians should target

by Mike Rodgers CLEVELAND-- The Indians made a nice splash acquiring relief pitchers Brad Hand and Adam Cimber from the San Diego Padres. The two additions will

by Mike Rodgers

CLEVELAND-- The Indians made a nice splash acquiring relief pitchers Brad Hand and Adam Cimber from the San Diego Padres. The two additions will add stability to a struggling bullpen, but now it looks like they’ll need more help in the outfield.

Everyday right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall has been out since July 3 and it was announced July 10 that he would be out 8-10 weeks with a strained left calf muscle. Making things worse is the addition of Bradley Zimmer to the DL. News broke Saturday that Zimmer will be out 8-12 months after he has right shoulder surgery.

The two injuries will definitely make the Tribe active in the trade market, but the question is what outfielders should they target? Here’s a list of possible candidates.

1. Shin-Shoo Choo, Texas Rangers

The Rangers aren’t a threat to make the playoffs and may be looking to unload some talent and rebuild. Choo, a former Indian, is having a great season at age 36 and made his first All-Star Game this season. He’s batting .291 with a .401 OBP, 18 home runs, and 44 RBI. He is due $42 million over the next two years, which may make the Tribe think twice about him as a possible option.

2. Adam Jones, Baltimore Orioles

Jones is having a down year so far but could be re-energized playing for a contender. The will-be free agent is batting .277, but his power numbers are down from recent years: 10 home runs and a .425 slugging percentage. Adding him to the Tribe and moving him down in the lineup would take pressure off him and could help him pick those numbers up.

3. Billy Hamilton, Cincinnati Reds

Hamilton is an interesting option. Over the last four season he’s averaged 57.5 steals and is an extremely athletic outfielder with crazy range. The down side is he’s never been a consistent hitter for average or power. This season he’s batting .224 and has an OBP of .303. He’s still an option that could help the Tribe. Adding a speed guy like Hamilton will make pitchers pay attention to him every time he’s on base.

4. Gregory Polanco, Pittsburgh Pirates

Polanco will be coming to town starting Monday as the Pirates will take on the Tribe. He is a natural right fielder and would add more power to the back of the lineup. He’s only batting .234 but has a slugging percentage of .485 with 16 home runs and 51 RBI. He would also be signed through 2021 and his contract isn’t that expensive. He was signed to a five-year, $35 million contract in 2017.