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3 Bargain Free Agents Indians Should Chase in 2021 if They Can't Re-Sign Francisco Lindor

By Steven Kubitza

The Cleveland Indians need a plan if Francisco Lindor is not re-signed.
The Cleveland Indians need a plan if Francisco Lindor is not re-signed. / Jason Miller/Getty Images

The Cleveland Indians have shown no signs of actually offering Francisco Lindor a long-term deal, so it's believed a trade could happen before he becomes a free agent following the 2021 season.

But the Tribe still need a plan to fill that void because they'll need someone to take over at shortstop who can give them quality at-bats and provide solid defense. Three shortstops who should be on the market following the 2020 season stand out as options for the Indians to show up and start right away if Lindor is gone come 2021.

3. Freddy Galvis

Cincinnati Reds SS Freddy Galvis is a durable option.
Cincinnati Reds SS Freddy Galvis is a durable option. / Abbie Parr/Getty Images

Freddy Galvis joined the Cincinnati Reds late in 2019 and the team exercised his $5.5 million option for 2020. He's a durable veteran player who has appeared in at least 147 games each year since 2015. He's currently 30 years old and would be a nice option for the Indians on a short-term deal, especially when you consider his reliable defense and occasional pop in his bat (two 20-homer campaigns).

2. Jose Iglesias

Jose Iglesias spent 2019 with the Cincinnati Reds.
Jose Iglesias spent 2019 with the Cincinnati Reds. / Joe Sargent/Getty Images

Jose Iglesias is a former All-Star who signed a one-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles. His deal has a club option for 2021, but he will be 31 years old then and the Orioles may want to put a younger player in the starting role. The veteran slashed .288/.318/.407 with the Reds last season and only struck out 70 times in 504 at-bats. He'd be a solid fill-in for Lindor while the Indians wait on top prospect Tyler Freeman.

1. Didi Gregorius

Didi Gregorius joined the Philadelphia Phillies in 2020.
Didi Gregorius joined the Philadelphia Phillies in 2020. / Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Didi Gregorius is the most expensive option on this list. He's making $14 million with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2020 on a one-year deal. Gregorius dealt with injuries in 2019 but proved to be a reliable option at shortstop during his time with the New York Yankees. He hit at least 20 home runs each year from 2016-2018 and has a career WAR of 17.6. The veteran will be 31 in 2021 and given 2020 will be a shortened season, it's hard to believe his value will increase much more. He's the best option if the Indians are looking to compete in 2021.