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It’s time to remove the training wheels from Carlos Santana. With a career OPS of just short of .800, Santana is the Cleveland Indians‘ first baseman, whether he is playing first or DH. Having Mike Napoli is just keeping playing time away from other players.
The suspension of center fielder Abraham Almonte caused the Indians to overstock in the outfield. They went out and signed Rajai Davis to play center field and moved Lonnie Chisenhall from third to right. This was also done with the fact that Michael Brantley had to have offseason shoulder surgery in mind.
With the Brantley injury and Almonte suspension, the Indians felt like they didn’t have enough at DH either. That’s what caused them to go out and sign Napoli. Being the better defender, Napoli starts at first with Santana at DH. That worked well to start the season, but it is time for the Indians to consider the plan moving forward.
The Indians are starting Chisenhall and Brantley in the outfield along with rookie Tyler Naquin in center. That means that DH possibilities Davis and Marlon Byrd are riding the pine. Once Almonte gets back the playing time for these outfielders will be come even more sparse. Trading Napoli now will allow Chisenhall and Byrd to platoon at DH with Naquin and Davis sharing right, once Almonte returns. The Indians could also use a more traditional backup corner infielder. Trading Napoli for a third base prospect would make sense for the future, as the Indians have a minor league shortstop backing up all three infield positions beyond first base.
Napoli was signed as an insurance policy, and Santana has proven that the policy was unnecessary. Now the Indians must consider trading Napoli so they can see Santana flourish.
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