Yolmer Sanchez should interest Tribe

Yolmer Sanchez has been outrighted by the Chicago White Sox. The Cleveland Indians should consider him for their vacancy at second base.

This seems like a match that is almost too perfect. The Cleveland Indians have a need at second base after declining the option on Jason Kipnis earlier this offseason. The Chicago White Sox decided to go in a different direction and outright Yolmer Sanchez Monday per Ken Rosenthal.

There are two things to focus on in Rosenthal’s tweet. The fact that Yolmer Sanchez is subject to the waiver process and that he is a Gold Glove second baseman.

The waiver process

Cleveland could put in a waiver claim if they feel another team will be aggressive in offering Sanchez a contract once he clears waivers. The projected $6.2 million in arbitration is less than half of what Jason Kipnis would have made if his option was picked up. For those keeping score on the Indians front office slashing payroll, consider this box checked in that regard.

Gold Glove Winner

This is extremely important. Not because of purely a focus on infield defense, but because Yolmer Sanchez is not necessarily a huge threat at the plate. Sanchez won the Gold Glove Award for second baseman this past season. It is more than apparent that Sanchez is an excellent defensive second baseman. His performance at the plate is a much different story.

In six years Sanchez is slashing .244/.299/.357 with an OPS of .656. This does not necessarily strike fear in opposing pitchers. Sanchez averages 28 doubles, six triples and eight home runs over the course of 162 games.

A one-year deal could benefit both sides

Yolmer Sanchez could be a decent pickup on a one-year deal if he does indeed clear waivers. At worst, Yolmer Sanchez would be a stopgap until a more permanent solution can be found. At his best he could be a decent bottom third of the order hitter. Either way it would give Sanchez an opportunity to earn a longer, larger contract. It’s all up to the Cleveland Indians front office and just how they want to approach this offseason.