Despite having stayed quiet for the past few months, it looks like the Cleveland Indians weren’t finished looking for roster additions this offseason. Additionally, considering who the team just signed, it also sounds like the Tribe isn’t interested in bringing in any free agents under the age of 34.
Per ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Indians have signed third baseman Juan Uribe. The 36-year-old finished his year at the World Series with the New York Mets, batting .253 for the season. Cleveland will likely split third base responsibilities with him and up-and-comer Giovanny Urshela.
It goes without saying the Indians signing Uribe doesn’t exactly make the team kings of the AL Central. At the same time, despite his age, there are more than a few positives to find in this acquisition.
For one, it definitely gives Urshela some much-needed support. While the 24-year-old made a noticeable impact on defense after he was called up last year, he struggled at the plate. Urshela often found himself at the bottom of the batting order, and while Uribe doesn’t exactly add a significant boost, he’ll at least ease some pressure off the younger player.
Additionally, he fills the “experienced clubhouse guy” role the Indians seem to love. Uribe has been to three World Series, winning two. Cleveland’s core players have only seen one playoff game, so adding someone who knows what it takes to get to the championship three different times is a benefit which can’t be ignored. The fact that Uribe is known across the league as one of the better locker room leaders only makes things better.
That said, while there are some perks to signing Uribe, he still doesn’t fix every issue for the Indians.
Cleveland still needs some significant power in the batting order, and Uribe doesn’t really bring any help there. He’s a career .256 hitter, so all in all, he’s a good-not-great addition offensively.
His age also implies he’s nothing more than a temporary fix, something the Tribe seems to be more than comfortable signing this offseason. Cleveland has a young roster, sure, but this hardly means they should only be looking at potential additions who are essentially joining their last baseball team.
It all goes back to what’s become the tried-and-true method for Indians offseasons. Despite clamors from fans for a major trade or signing, the club instead seems intent on making small tweaks here or there, mostly just working with what it has.
Signing Uribe is definitely another example of this. He certainly won’t be a game-changer, but he probably won’t be sold as one either. As with Mike Napoli and Rajai Davis –- the Indians’ other offseason signings –- Uribe is someone who might help in a few ways, but he’s not a player who should be seen as a significant upgrade.
