Indians designate Eric Haase for assignment

The Cleveland Indians have designated catcher Eric Haase for assignment after the signing of Cesar Hernandez was made official.

Once the Cleveland Indians signed Cesar Herandnez, a move was going to have to be made. That move was designating Eric Haase for assignment.

Eric Haase has only made a handful appearances at the Major League level. Haase has spent the majority of his time in AAA. Clearly, the Indians do not feel he is part of their long term plans when it comes to the catcher position. The fact that Cleveland traded for Sandy Leon earlier this month pointed in that direction.

Eric Haase is 27 years old. Cleveland may have found out all they need to know about Haase and have decided to address their needs at catcher in a different manner. Haase is not necessarily a prolific hitter, only carrying a slash line of .243/.316/.477 with an OPS of .794. This also comes with 130 home runs, 147 doubles, 28 triples and 846 strikeouts over nine seasons.

The fact that Cleveland acquired Kevin Plawecki and Sandy Leon in consecutive years speaks volumes. Cleveland believes that external options are better than the internal option of Haase. Maybe if Haase was a little bit of a better hitter he would have been given a chance, but the players acquired are relatively similar to what he provides as a hitter and are better defensively.

Eric Haase could find a new home if a team is in need of a buy-low candidate at catcher. Haase is under contract for a long time and could claim him and hope for the best. That is if he does not clear waivers. If he does indeed clear waivers, a return to Columbus seems more likely than not.