The Cleveland Indians are decimated in the starting pitching department and that means reinforcements are needed.
A big trade for someone like Max Scherzer would be exciting, but also seems to be something this front office may never do at this point in time.
Instead, the team decided to make a much smaller move by signing veteran Brad Peacock to a minor league deal.
The Indians have signed free agent right-hander Brad Peacock to a Minor League contract.
— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) June 25, 2021
This move is notable, even if it lacks any major excitement.
Peacock’s Career To This Point
The 33-year-old right-hander made a name for himself with the Houston Astros.
He was both a starter and reliever, most notably doing both during the team’s World Series season in 2017.
That year saw Peacock post a 3.00 ERA in 34 total appearances.
He made four relief appearances in the World Series as well.
It makes sense why he was pushed to the bullpen while in Houston.
He was among a dominant group of pitchers and proved he could be reliable as a reliever.
But that is not why he was signed by the Indians.
Getting Peacock Into The Rotation
The Indians bullpen is doing just fine and is already facing a logjam.
Peacock was signed to go to Triple-A, get loose, and come up as a starter this summer.
This is a classic low-risk, high-reward move by the Indians.
If he looks terrible at at time when Shane Bieber, Zach Plesac, and Aaron Civale all return, he can be let go without much fuss.
But if he looks suitable, the Indians added a fourth starter for minimal cost during a playoff chase.
And if one of the young guys does step up, Peacock can still find a role as a starter or reliever.
Unfortunately, more injuries may be coming because that is just how any MLB season goes.
What Is The Proper Reaction?
Should fans be thrilled about this signing?
Right-handed pitcher Brad Peacock has signed with Cleveland. He recently held a showcase at Cressey Sports Performance in Palm Beach Gardens, Fl. and drew immediate interest from multiple teams.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) June 25, 2021
No, but it does at least show the front office is doing something.
They also have the inside scoop on how long the injuries will last.
Or at least the projected timeline.
The Indians are notoriously vague with injury timelines, but Bieber, Plesac, and Civale are also not dealing with any major structural issues.
One major positive from this signing is the Indians didn’t lose any prospects in a trade.
Also, Peacock is coming in and filling a role at Triple-A for a Columbus rotation that keeps losing members.
So instead of rushing up others, he can get some time.
And when he is ready, someone like Eli Morgan could head back down to develop further if he shows struggles as a rookie.
Adding talent is never a bad thing, even if it does appear to be a veteran who is a bit washed up.
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