Indians outfield position battles

The Cleveland Indians will be positioning certain players in certain outfield spots this spring. This should help the team figure out exactly how their roster will be put together come Opening Day. 

Franmil Reyes

Whether or not Franmil Reyes would actually play in the outfield this season was up for debate until fairly recently. A combination of dropping 18 pounds and the signing of Domingo Santana points in the direction of Reyes seeing a good amount of time in the field. Corner outfield to be exact. Reyes will work in both right and left field this spring to gauge his ability as an everyday outfielder. 

Bradley Zimmer 

It was not too long ago that Bradley Zimmer was an exciting player to watch in the Indians outfield. Inconsistent performances at the plate combined with injuries have put his career on pause. Center field is now occupied by Oscar Mercado and others are under consideration for outfield spots. Zimmer will work in center and right field. Being a left handed outfielder could help his case. The only other options in that regard are Jake Bauers and Tyler Naquin. Naquin’s season debut could be delayed and Bauers is not necessarily a lock to make the big league roster. 

Greg Allen

Greg Allen will have every opportunity to make the roster as a switch-hitting outfielder. Cleveland will use him in all three outfield spots this spring. The reality is Allen is someone who shouldn’t start more than twice a week. Allen could make the team as a reserve outfielder, but anything more than that is a cause for concern. 

Jake Bauers 

This is an interesting situation. Like Bradley Zimmer, Jake Bauers is a left handed hitter. Bauers will see time in left field, but also has the ability to play first base. This versatility could lead to Bauers making the roster in one way or another. Having the option to rotate outfield, first base, and the DH positions should be very appealing to Terry Francona. Bauers is the youngest outfielder of this group and has proven enough in AAA, the jump in performance for Bauers could come fairly soon.

Domingo Santana 

This is Cleveland’s other option that they are looking at in regards to left field. Domingo Santana can play the field, but probably shouldn’t. Santana may be better off as a designated hitter while players such as Franmil Reyes and Jake Bauers see time in left.