Cleveland Indians considering Carlos Santana as option in outfield

The Cleveland Indians quest to find outfielders has led to the possibility that Carlos Santana could switch positions.

Heading into Spring Training, the Cleveland Indians biggest question involves the outfield. At this point in time, the depth chart lists a starting outfield of Jordan Luplow in left, Leonys Martin in center, and Tyler Naquin in right. That is hardly the type of outfield that one would expect on a presumptive postseason favorite, let alone one with the aspirations that the Indians hold for the coming year.

There are possible options that could improve this collection. Jake Bauers has the ability to play in left, but his defense at first may well be more valuable. His presence at first could then push Carlos Santana into a designated hitter role, unless the Indians consider a position switch for the long time first baseman.

As it turns out, that may be the case. The Indians are considering moving Santana into the outfield, as they search for a way to keep his glove in the lineup moving forward.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

It would not be an entirely unfamiliar position for Santana. He has a total of ten games of outfield experience in his career, including two games in left during the 2016 World Series. It would certainly be an interesting move, and a particularly ironic one, given that the Phillies moved Rhys Hoskins to the outfield to make room for Santana at first last year.

Yet, this move could work out. It would be a way to keep Santana’s bat in the lineup without tying up the DH slot. He continued to display his strong on base skills last season, with a .229/.352/.414 batting line, hitting 24 homers and 28 doubles in his lone season with the Phillies.

Santana has also displayed the type of defensive versatility over his career that could lead to this being a successful transition. He had originally reached the majors as a catcher, before transitioning to first and seeing time at third base. it is certainly possible that Santana could prove to be a viable option in either corner outfield spot. At the very least, he could be considered an upgrade over the Indians current options at the position.

The Cleveland Indians are considering a position change for Carlos Santana, and could move him to the outfield. It would be one way to strengthen the biggest weakness on a team with postseason aspirations.