Indians avoid arbitration with Delino DeShields

The Cleveland Indians have come to terms on a one-year deal with Delino DeShields worth $1.875 million and have avoided arbitration.

The Cleveland Indians have had a busy day. Already agreeing to one-year deals with Tyler Naquin and Nick Wittgren. Now Delino DeShields can be added to that group. Cleveland will avoid arbitration with the recently acquired outfielder with a $1.875 million deal. DeShields is arbitration eligible for one more season after 2020.

Delino DeShields came over in the trade for Corey Kluber. DeShields will figure to be in the battle for a spot in the outfield. It seems that a direct competitor for playing time is Greg Allen. They are both light hitters and can be used as a pinch runner on the base paths.

DeShields spent the previous five seasons with the Texas Rangers. During that time he slashed .246/.326/.342 with an OPS of .668. Not really that much of a threat at the plate. There are other outfielders in MLB that possess a better profile as a hitter. There are even other outfielders on the Indians who have a better profile as a hitter, but that isn’t really saying all that much.

Cleveland has to figure out which outfielders will make the roster to start the season. Oscar Mercado is a lock and so is Franmil Reyes, although he is more of a designated hitter than regular outfielder. After that, it is all up in the air. That includes Delino DeShields.