After news on Thursday that the team added reliever Chris Ray, the Cleveland Indians also appear interested in a more high-profile free agent. Paul Hoynes reported on Twitter that the team is interested in first baseman Carlos Pena:
Heard this:
#Indians like 1B Carlos Pena and went to ownership to see if they could make a deal work. No word on decision.
Pena is 33-years-old and would likely be coming in on a one-year deal, if he were to sign. The team would likely have to approve something along the lines of $8 million for a one-year deal to bring him in. As one of the better free agents available at this point, Pena is somewhat underrated for the production. In 2010, he hit 28 homers and drew 101 walks, good for an OPS of .819. His low batting average and propensity to strike out has scared some, but he would definitely upgrade the position, which has no clear starter at this point.
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