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While the Cleveland Indians are reportedly working on a deal for Edwin Encarnacion, that does not mean they are not going after small targets as well. Alongside Mike Napoli and Matt Holliday, two players we already knew the Indians were trying to sign, Jon Heyman is reporting that they also offered a one-year contract to Michael Saunders.
Indians tried 1-year offers to Napoli, Saunders and Holliday (now a yank). Curious what they're offering for encarnacion
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 7, 2016
Saunders, 30, is coming off the best season of his career. He played in a career-high 140 games, hit a career-high 24 home runs, and slashed .253/.338/.478. His defense fell off a cliff, however, according to advance metrics. He played significant time in left and right field, but his UZR was pitiful in both, as was his ability to make any plays not considered likely or routine by Inside Edge Fielding.