Cleveland Indians showing “intense” interest in Shane Victorino

This week’s Winter Meetings mean the arrival of tons and tons of hot stove rumors. Among the latest: The Cleveland Indians remain very interested in veteran free agent outfielder Shane Victorino.

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported the rumor earlier on Monday. In addition, young reporter Chris Cotillo, of MLB Daily Dish, specified that the Indians are showing the “most intense interest” in Victorino.

Of course, The Plain Dealer’s Paul Hoynes reported one month ago that the Indians had contacted Victorino, who nearly signed with the team following the 2012 season. That was one of the earliest rumors of the offseason and today’s latest updates shows that it clearly has staying power.

Victorino, now 35, ultimately signed a three-year deal with the Boston Red Sox before 2013. He played 122 games and won a Gold Glove that first season in Boston. That was his last very productive full season. He has struggled mightily to stay healthy ever since.

The Red Sox traded him to the Los Angeles Angels in late July 2015. Over the last two years, he’s played just 101 total games with a .246/.306/.329 batting line. That dramatic drop-off is why he wasn’t listed among the top available free agents by FanGraphs, CBS Sports, or MLB Trade Rumors.

In his prime, the switch-hitting “Flyin’ Hawaian” was one of the game’s most durable and versatile outfielders. From 2006-13, he averaged 143 games played, a .279/.344/.435 batting line, 27 doubles, 13 homers, 27 steals, and about 4 WAR.

But now, two years removed from that value, he’d have to be a very minimal free agent signing for any interested team. The Indians reportedly have $10-15 million in available offseason spending. It’d be certainly disappointing to fans if Victorino was anything more than a very small percentage of that amount. As of now, he seems like a hopeful spring training invite. The Indians are desperate for outfield help. But not that desperate, hopefully.