As the Cleveland Indians continue to search for help to upgrade one of the worst bullpens in baseball, they have set their eyes on one of the best relievers available.
According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, Cleveland is among several teams interested in San Diego Padres closer Brad Hand. The lefty reliever would provide significant help for a bullpen that craves it.
Add the #Indians to list of teams with interest in #Padres closer Brad Hand. He's signed for $6.5M and $7M the next two years, with a $10M club option for 2021. So he could be a nice hedge against Andrew Miller and Cody Allen leaving through free agency. Price very high, though.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 17, 2018
Cleveland’s bullpen enters the All-Star Break with the second-worst ERA (5.28) and eighth-worst BAA (.252) in the majors. Hand, who is under contract control through 2021, could be used in a multi-inning role or close for the Indians.
Given Hand’s contract and his 2.47 ERA in 123.2 innings since 2017, Cleveland would likely have to give up Francisco Mejia to land him. Whether or not the Indians would want to part with one of their top prospects, is to be determined.