What Free agents Could Be Matches with the Indians This Offseason?

David Freese, third base, 32

His fielding range has diminished, and he’s a step slow on the bases, but Freese adds much to a team, and the Indians could do worse than him if they decide Giovanny Urshela isn’t the Immediate answer at the hot corner.

Freese, the 2011 World Series and National League Championship Series MVP, remains a solid clutch hitter and a steadying influence on a team. The righty hitter’s stats were modest last season with the Angels, hitting .257 with a .323 on-base percentage and .420 slugging percentage. He did slug 14 homers. Free agency pickings at third base this offseason are slim, so an average team like the Indians might need to make an especially attractive offer.

J.A. Happ, starting pitcher, 33

The left-handed Happ has come to rely on his four-seam fastball, which sits around 92 miles per hour but has excellent movement and is effective against hitters from both sides of the plate.

With his free agency looming, Happ picked a fine time to shine after the Mariners sent him to the Pirates in a July 31 trade. Happ went 7-2 with a 1.85 ERA in 11 starts with the Bucs, with 69 strikeouts and 13 walks in 63 1/3 innings. He had been so-so in the first four months with Seattle, going 4-6 with a 4.64 ERA in 108 2/3 innings.

Austin Jackson, outfield, 29

Jackson may not be the extraordinary defensive center fielder of a couple years ago, but he remains among the best. And, his hitting has declined somewhat over the last two seasons.

Jackson was a bench player with the Cubs last season after they acquired him in trade deadline deal with the Mariners. The righty hitter had just 72 at bats over the final two months. In a combined 491 at bats with the teams, Jackson hit .267 with nine homers, 29 walks and 126 strikeouts. He had 17 stolen bases and 10 caught stealings.

Mike Napoli, first base/outfield, 34

Napoli was quite productive with the Rangers in 2011-12, and they got him back in an Aug. 7 trade with the Red Sox. The right-handed hitter had a .295 batting average and five homers in 78 at bats with Texas. He had struggled with Boston in the first part of the campaign, hitting .207 in 329 at bats with 45 walks and 99 strikeouts. He did clout 13 home runs for the Red Sox.

Still, Napoli produced against lefty pitching over the course of the campaign, hitting .278 with 12 homers and 27 walks in 151 at bats. A solid defensive first baseman, Napoli also played some left field for Texas late in the season. He and the Rangers seem interested in a continued reunion, but if that doesn’t work out, the Indians could be among his best options.

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