The Indians off-season may not be over just yet. Rumors have persisted for the past few weeks that the Tribe may be in the market to make one or possibly even two more moves before the offseason ends. The signing of Juan Uribe has been the most consistent of all the rumors that have persisted over the last few months. Uribe is deemed to be an excellent choice to fill the gaping hole that the Indians have at third base, since apparently Giovanny Urshela, who was one of Indians’ fans favorite prospects over the past two seasons, has completely played himself out of consideration in just 81 games of play last year.
Uribe hasn’t been the only rumored free agent target of late. Newly minted GM Mike Chernoff recently stated in an interview with Jim Duquette and Jeff Joyce on MLB Network Radio that giving up a draft pick in order to sign one of the remaining available free agents wouldn’t necessarily be out of the question. Dexter Fowler and Ian Desmond are the only remaining players with draft pick compensation attached to them. Desmond, as a short stop, seems like the least likely target of the Indians, leaving Fowler as an intriguing potential signing.
The Indians have had a hole in center field since Grady Sizemore‘s injuries caused him to vacate the position. We are all well aware of the dumpster fire that was the Michael Bourn signing, and the uncertainty that surrounds players like Abraham Almonte leaves center field as a position still in need of a reliable fill. Fowler could be just that.
Given how far along into the off-season we are, it is very possible that Fowler could end up signing a one-year deal with the intention of increasing his value for a potential big payday next off-season. This could fit nicely into the Indians future plans as players like Tyler Naquin, Bradley Zimmer, and Clint Frazier, players all capable of playing center field, near their big league debuts. But the question then becomes whether Fowler is a good fit for the Tribe.
With the hole that may exist in the top of the Indians’ lineup on Opening Day due to Michael Brantley‘s shoulder injury, Fowler could prove to be a valuable addition. Fowler has a penchant for drawing walks and getting on base, evidenced by his 12.4% walk rate and .364 on base percentage for his career. This would allow for him to take a spot at or near the top of the lineup, potentially allowing Jason Kipnis to slide into the 3rd spot while Dr. Smooth recovers. Fowler would be a much more ideal lead off hitter than the newly signed Rajai Davis, who may have to temporarily fill the lead off role in Brantley’s absence, and who doesn’t reach base with as much frequency.
Fowler’s strongest asset exists at the plate and on the base paths. Fowler has played 8 seasons in the big leagues, in that time he has produced a career wRC+ of 107. In his last 5 seasons, he has produced wRC+ of 106, 120, 103, 124, and 110. Fowler has been a consistently above average offensive player for the majority of his career and, as he nears 30, he figures to not be too old to continue this trend. Regardless if he is on the downward slop of his career, a short term deal wouldn’t keep the Indians on the hook like it did with Bourn.
Fowler’s real downfall exists as a defender. For his career Fowler has been considered a below average to poor defender. Fowler has played full seasons in 7 of his 8 big league seasons, in those 7 full seasons he has accounted for negative DRS ratings in all but one year. His career DRS rating is -56, and Ultimate Zone Rating is an equally poor -12.1. For a team that appears to be placing more emphasis on defense, Fowler wouldn’t fit into that approach.
The signing of Davis makes signing Fowler much more unlikely in my opinion. Assuming Fowler were to be signed to fill the role of full-time center fielder and Davis were to fill in for Brantley in left field for as long he is unable to play. Upon Brantley’s return, that would give the Indians 3 players for 2 spots, which in reality is just 1 spot because neither has any chance of playing over Brantley in left. While theoretically the remaining player could play right field, it’s far from the most ideal scenario as the only one with any experience is Davis, who has only started in 81 games in right over his 10 year career. Moreover, neither are considered to have the strong arm that is preferred for right fielders.
If the Indians pursue an outfield option, right field seems like a more beneficial use of the Indians money or trade assets. As the roster sits currently, Joey Butler, Collin Cowgill, and Lonnie Chisenhall are the likely right field options for opening day. Given the fact that none of these three present reliable offensive options, it’s far from certain that any one of them will be the full-time right fielder over the course of the whole season. Fowler may have been an attractive option before the Davis signing, but it just doesn’t appear that there’s a fit for him on this current roster.
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