Bobby Abreu Attempting MLB Comeback; Cleveland Indians Express High Level Of Interest

Despite sitting out the 2013 Major League Baseball season, 39-year-old Bobby Abreu will attempt a comeback with the hopes of latching on with an MLB club before the start of the 2014 campaign. Last appearing in the major leagues in 2012, Abreu batted a mediocre .242 and hit just three home runs as he spent time with the Los Angeles Angels and Dodgers. Despite driving in just 24 runs in 100 games during the 2012 season, the two-time All-Star is set on returning to the big leagues after elevating his confidence while playing in the Venezuelan winter league.

According to multiple reports, the Cleveland Indians are showing the most interest in the 17-year veteran. Though it certainly does appear that Abreu’s best days in the power department are behind him -- after slugging just 11 homers in 2011 and 2012 combined after a 20-home run performance in 2010 with the LAA Angels -- clubs will still be interested in the way he handles himself at the plate. Known for having a strong eye in the batter’s box and tremendous discipline, Abreu could serve as a true service to many teams because of his ability to get on base.

Spending his 17 major league seasons with the Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels and LA Dodgers, Abreu always held the skillset needed to help produce runs. Drawing 1,456 walks (an average of 100 per season) and stealing 399 bases (28/sea.), Bobby Abreu proved he could do it all on the diamond. Defensively, the right fielder owns a career fielding percentage of .983 while his 287 career home runs displayed his possession of power as well.

While Bobby Abreu’s best days are clearly behind him, the Cleveland Indians surely wouldn’t be hurting themselves by adding another veteran to a talented roster. Thanks to the inclusion of long-time MLB star Jason Giambi and the leadership he provided, the Indians won 92 games last season, advancing to the playoffs for the first time since 2007. Giambi was still productive even at the age of 42, smacking 9 home runs and driving in 31 runs in 216 plate appearances while serving as an added voice to manager Terry Francona in the clubhouse.

You can never have too many veterans on a team and because Bobby Abreu still holds the ability to contribute and can help further the production of young Indians talent such as third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall, second baseman Jason Kipnis and left fielder Michael Brantley, the organization should take a good hard look at the Venezuela native.