Tribe taking patient approach in 1B search

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — The Indians are sitting back and waiting. Heading into this offseason, Cleveland knew that might be the most prudent approach for this winter’s crop of first basemen. It is the approach that has helped the club emerge as a surprising contender for free-agent slugger Edwin Encarnacion.

When Encarnacion’s name was linked to the Tribe on Monday, it seemed like a pipe dream for the Indians. By Day 3 of the Winter Meetings on Wednesday, Cleveland signing the first baseman still felt improbable — given the way the team typically operates — but it no longer seems impossible. Given the way the market has developed, the Indians look more and more like a realistic landing spot.

“Patience is the right word,” Indians general manager Mike Chernoff said. “We’re focused on getting the best players that we can, and we certainly go after our targets. But, at the same time, we know who we have to be in free agency. We’re never going to be the team that is building an entire roster through free agency.”

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As Cleveland has waited, the market for hitters who play first base or can serve as a designated hitter has become more supply than demand. In light of a handful of signings, the number of options for the hitters has diminished. That is the kind of situation the Indians need to even have a shot at a free agent like Encarnacion. It explains why the Indians are not in a rush to use a two-year offer to re-sign Mike Napoli.

Last offseason, the way the market shook out, Cleveland was able to sign Napoli to a one-year, $7 million contract that wound up being worth $10 million after he hit all his incentives. Napoli belted 34 homers, led the Indians with 101 RBIs, hit career highs in games (150) and plate appearances (645), and was a leader for the team behind …

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