Cleveland trades infielder Mike Freeman to Reds

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.