Throughout the first half of the offseason, the Indians made it clear that their goal has been to cut down their payroll and infuse the organization with players who are under team control. So far, they have been quite successful.
Cleveland has cut about $20 million from next season's payroll after dealing catcher Yan Gomes, designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion and first baseman Yonder Alonso, among others. In return, the team received first baseman Jake Bauers from Tampa Bay, first baseman Carlos Santana from Seattle, right-hander Jefry Rodriguez from Washington and some Minor Leaguers.