A fan favorite from more than a decade ago is returning for the postseason push, as the Indians on Wednesday completed a deal with the Oakland A’s to acquire outfielder Coco Crisp and cash in exchange for left-handed pitcher Colt Hynes.
Crisp, 36, this season is hitting .234 with a .299 on-base percentage to go with 11 home runs, 24 doubles and 47 RBI. He also leads the majors with a .424 average with runners in scoring position.
He is owed the remaining $11 million of his 2016 salary and has a $13 million option for next season that vests should he reach 550 plate appearances or 130 games played. He currently has played in 102 games and logged 434 plate appearances, so it’s more than likely the Indians would only pay the $750,000 buyout and make him a free agent this winter.
Crisp gives the Indians a balanced outfielder off the bench who is eligible for postseason play. Currently, Abraham Almonte is on the active roster but won’t be able to play in the postseason after he failed a drug test that revealed performance-enhancing drugs. Because of that stipulation, the Indians were in need of eventually making a roster move either internally or externally to fill that void in the event they win their division or earn on the two wild card spots.
Crisp can play left field and center field and joins Rajai Davis, Tyler Naquin, Lonnie Chisenhall and Brandon Guyer in the Indians’ outfield.
Crisp spent four seasons in Cleveland before being traded after the 2005 season to the Boston Red Sox along with David Riske and Josh Bard for a package that included Andy Marte, Kelly Shoppach and Guillermo Mota. He owns a career .266 average with more than 300 doubles and 300 stolen bases. His 306 steals currently rank him 10th among active players.