If Brad Hand being waived around for nothing more than his $10 million salary was the canary in the coal mine for free agency, the canary is clearly dead.
The Indians, like many teams, are going to be slashing payroll at a rapid pace as they look to offset the losses of a fan-less season and the unknown years ahead. Even with a dwindling payroll, they are going to move forward one way or another — spending money or looking at internal options.
Francisco Lindor’s impending trade certainly muddies things. Will they fail to find a suitor and start the season with him on the roster?