The Cleveland Indians are looking to settle all family business weeks before Opening Day.
As noted by the Associated Press (h/t ESPN), Cleveland sent veteran utility infielder Mike Freeman to the Cincinnati Reds for cash in a transaction completed on Friday. The move came roughly 24 hours after Cleveland informed speedy outfielder Billy Hamilton he wasn't making the big-league roster and will be traded if a buyer emerges.
Freeman was slated to be behind Amed Rosario, who joined Cleveland in the trade that sent All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor to the New York Mets, and Yu Chang, and manager Terry Francona told reporters that the Reds were a better fit for the 33-year-old.
"They seem to have what they think is a better opportunity for him to maybe not only make their club but actually play a little bit more," Francona said. "It's not fun saying goodbye to someone you care that much about, but on the flip side, knowing he's got a really good opportunity kind of made us feel good."
Freeman joined Cleveland in 2019 and hit .270 across 99 regular-season contests with the club. Per Mark Sheldon of the official MLB website, Freeman is a .232/.315/.330 hitter over his 156 career games.
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