#17
The Cleveland Indians have been on quite a run over the last handful of years, however with the trade of Francisco Lindor, is that run coming to an end? Will 2021 be the start of a rebuild or the continued success with another playoff birth?
#17 - 3rd in AL Central
MIH - Francisco Lindor
MIP - Carlos Carrasco
PTW - Logan Allen
2020 Results
#7 - 35-25, 2nd in AL Central, lost in Wild Card Round
I said the talk of 2020 was going to be if Francisco Lindor would be traded. Somehow they were able to silence that drama for the season, trade away one of the their top starting pitchers in Mike Clevinger, and still put together a strong campaign that earned a playoff spot. They didn't go far into the playoffs, but every time you think the Indians are done, they bounce back stronger. The reason? Terry Fancona.
Additions / Subtractions
Well, they were able to silence the noise for the season, but that didn't stop the move from being made this winter. Lindor and Carlos Carrasco were both dealt to the New York Mets for quite a package. Nothing beats having Lindor in the lineup though. They continued to cut cost by releasing closer Brad Hand and not re-signing Carlos Santana at first base. Coming into Cleveland are infielders Amed Rosario and Andres Gimenez in the Lindor deal as well as free agent outfielder Eddie Rosario from Minnesota. The other big announcement of the offseason would be that 2021 will be the last year the club will be known as the Cleveland Indians. The new name has yet to be announced, but look for it to be a much more PC moniker.
Most Important Hitter
Jose Ramirez
Much like Francisco Lindor was the talk of last offseason and regular season on what Cleveland would do with him, this season could easily be the same chatter about Jose Ramirez. Ramirez is entering the last year of a club-friendly deal he signed, and although his personality doesn't draw the eyeballs like Lindor, he production on the field might exceed the new Met. Ramirez has finished in the top 3 of MVP voting three times in the last four seasons, including a 2nd place in 2020. He also has three Silver Sluggers under his belt. In 2020, he had a 163 OPS+. With no Lindor in the lineup, the success of the Indians is even more tied to the production of Jose Ramirez. The future success of the Indians might also be tied to him depending on if they can find the right trade package for him.
Most Important Pitcher
James Karinchak
Throughout this run the Indians have been on, even though Lindor and Ramirez have anchored a strong lineup, the strength of the team has been pitching. This year is no different with guys like Shane Bieber, Aaron Civale, and Zach Plesac anchoring the rotation. The bullpen is not quite as secure this year with Brad Hand moving on. Now, the Indians will be looking at 25 year old James Karinchak to anchor the back end of their pen. Finishing 6th in Rookie of the Year voting in 2020 as a reliever, Karinchak dominated as a stellar setup man for the Tribe. However, closing can be a different story, and with how volatile bullpen arms can be, his production needs to be as dominant and consistent as it was last season for the bullpen to be reliable.
Prospect to Watch
Tristan McKenzie
The big leagues got a taste of Tristan McKenzie in 2020, pitching 8 games and starting 6 with some decent success. Now, this 51st best prospect in baseball and 2nd best in Cleveland's farm system will be counted on as a contributing member of the rotation from day one. He is pretty unforgettable once you see him pitch, and not just for his electric stuff, but also for the 6'5" 165 pound frame and the big hair (which somehow makes him look even skinnier). He should be a stud for them moving forward if he adds some weight to that frame so he can withstand the grueling nature of 162 games.
2021 Prediction
3rd in AL Central
I have the Indians predicted in the exact same spot as last year, however this year might be a little more earned. Losing Lindor is going to affect their offense. Rumors around losing Jose Ramirez could distract. Also, the top of their division got better while they were selling pieces. I know Terry Francona is one of the best managers in baseball, but I think they will finish lower than 2nd in the division for the first time since 2015.
Fearless Prediction
Shane Bieber will win a second straight Cy Young Award.
Somehow, the Indians just keep churning out elite starting pitching. Last season, it was Shane Bieber's turn to see the spotlight. He was easily the best player on the team in 2020, winning the pitching Triple Crown in the AL (Wins, ERA, Strikeouts). He is just coming into his own, and I expect him to continue to grow and get better. Look for another dominant year from him at the top of the Indians' rotation.
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