The roster for the Cleveland Baseball Club is currently at 37 following the conclusion of the 2020 World Series.
The Cleveland Baseball Club will have to figure out just what they want to do in regards to three players who are now free agents. Cesar Hernandez, Sandy Leon, and Oliver Perez are no longer on the roster now that the season is over.
Sandy Leon is someone that Cleveland should probably look at other options first before entering into contract negations. Leon was mostly forgettable at the plate this season and is not a long term option at catcher.
If Oliver Perez wants to continue playing he could sign another one-year contract with the club. Perez and whatever Fountain of Youth he brought with him has been a productive bullpen arm for Cleveland the past three years. For a team that is going to prioritize low-cost options, Perez would be a perfect fit.
Cesar Hernandez is where things get frustrating for Cleveland’s front office and the fanbase. Hernandez was a low risk signing that ended up paying off for Cleveland. Hernandez slashed .283/.355/.408/.763 in 58 games and led the league in doubles with 20. In a perfect world he re-signs and stays in town, but unfortunately that does not seem to be the case. The 2020 campaign for Hernandez may have put him out of Cleveland’s price range and it seems highly likely he is playing elsewhere in 2021.
