2024 Pre-Season Profile: New York Mets

 #18

The New York Mets went from being the best team money could buy and a legit World Series contender to selling at the Trade Deadline.  Are they ready to climb the mountaintop in 2024?

2023 Predictions

#3 - 1st in NL East, lose in NLCS

MIH - Brandon Nimmo

MIP - Kodai Senga

PTW - Francisco Alvarez

FP - A closer named Diaz will lead the Mets in saves in 2023.

2023 Results

#23 - 75-87, 4th in NL East

Highest WAR (Position) - Francisco Lindor

Highest WAR (Pitcher) - Kodai Senga

The Mets won the award as the most disappointing season in the league.  They had thrown so much money at so many top players trying to put together and All Star roster, and it just didn't work.  The Edwin Diaz injury during the World Baseball Classic didn't help either.  There were some bright spots, as Japanese import Kodai Senga showed he's the real deal.  Phenom catcher Francisco Alvarez showed signs that he could be the star they were hoping he would be in the next couple years.  However, when you have to give up and trade both Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer mid-season to help reset your roster, it's not a good year.

Additions / Subtractions

The most notable change was the replacement of manager Buck Showalter with Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza.  In terms of the roster, no more huge splashes for the Mets, at least not this year.  They signed starters Luis Severino and Sean Manaea to stabilize the rotation.  Center fielder Harrison Bader is another smaller signing to fill a hole.  Then there was last minute addition J.D. Martinez as the team's full time DH.  All of these are solid moves, but when the Mets were printing money the last couple off-seasons, it's a little underwhelming.

Most Important Hitter

Pete Alonso

One of the more interesting storylines of the off-season was the move that wasn't made.  Pete Alonso is entering the final year of club control with the Mets, and he is set to be a free agent at the end of the season.  There was plenty of talk about the Mets either signing Alonso long term or trading him to continue their step back and reset.  Instead, Alonso is playing in a contract year.  Will he sign long term?  Will he be traded mid-season if the Mets are irrelevant?  Anything is possible.

Most Important Pitcher

Edwin Diaz

Losing Edwin Diaz in that freak celebration injury pre-season last year dealt a bigger blow than anyone anticipated.  Not only is he the Mets closer, but he is also a spark plug and source of so much energy.  The Mets also chose to replace him internally instead of trading for another closer.  Now he's back, but is he truly back to being the most dominant closer in baseball?  If he is, the whole bullpen works.  If not, this Mets bullpen gets really thin really fast.

Prospect to Watch

Luisangel Acuna

The Mets sport the 13th best farm system in baseball, thanks almost entirely to their Trade Deadline moves last season.  Three of their four Top 100 Prospects were acquired mid-season last year.  Two of these prospects have a chance to make an impact in 2024, and the most intriguing of those is Luisangel Acuna.  This 22 year old middle infielder is the younger brother of reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuna and was acquired last season in the Max Scherzer trade to the Rangers.  In many ways, he looks like a mini version of his brother.  He doesn't have the same power at just 5'8", but he can definitely still hit.  He is also a strong defender up the middle.  The Mets seem pretty set at second and shortstop with Francisco Lindor and Jeff McNeil, but it will be a big storyline when this phenom makes his debut for more reasons than one.

2024 Prediction

3rd in NL East

When the 2023 roster wasn't working, the Mets knew they needed to take a step back and build a more sustainable winner.  They have done that, but they also knew it meant they were probably sacrificing the 2024 season in the process.  With that said, there is still way too much talent on this roster for them to be bad.  The Mets should be much better this year than last year.  They are also in a very top heavy division with two juggernauts that they hope to join very soon.

Fearless Prediction

Pete Alonso will be traded mid-season, and then sign a free agent deal with the Mets in the off-season.

This may be a wild prediction, but it feels like a very Mets thing to do.  By the Trade Deadline, the Mets may be ready to give up enough on the season to trade their first baseman, especially if he is having a good season and could bring back a good haul of prospects.  So then Pete Alonso becomes a free agent and signs with the highest bidder.  Well, that sounds like it would be the Mets.  So they get the prospect package and the star signed long term.  It doesn't happen often (Yankees pulled it off with Aroldis Chapman a few years back), but it feels like a situation that could play out here.

2023 Pre-Season Profile: New York Mets

 #3

The New York Mets continue to try and buy their way to championship.  Will winning the offseason result in winning in the postseason in 2023?

2022 Predictions

#4 - 1st in NL East, lose in NLCS

MIH - Francisco Lindor

MIP - Max Scherzer

PTW - Brett Baty

2022 Results

#9 - 101-61, 2nd in NL East, WILD CARD, lost in Wild Card Series

Highest WAR (Position) - Jeff McNiel

Highest WAR (Pitcher) - Max Scherzer

This is how good the National League has been recently.  The New York Mets won 101 games in 2022.  Yeah, that was good for 2nd in the division.  They lost in the Wild Card Series to the Padres, who you can argue were the more talented (and maybe higher spending) team.  Then, the eventual NL champ was the 3rd place team from their own division.  With the type of overhaul the Mets had before the 2022 season, it sometimes takes a year or two for the team to come together and play well as a unit.  With that said, they still won 101 games.

Additions / Subtractions

Well, with new Mets owner Steve Cohen, since the Mets didn't win the World Series, it meant he didn't spend enough money.  So he opened up the pocket books again.  First, the Mets kept some of their own that were entering free agency by re-signing closer Edwin Diaz and outfielder Brandon Nimmo to huge deals.  Then, they signed a second 40 year old pitcher to a contract paying $40 million per year.  Last year it was Max Scherzer.  This year it was Justin Verlander.  They signed veteran Jose Quintana and Japanese import Kodai Senga to bolster the rotation even more.  Reliever and former closer David Robertson was signed to deepen the bullpen (and possibly close now that Diaz is out for the year).  Catcher Omar Narvaez was signed to be an offensive-minded catcher.  They also found themselves in the middle of the Carlos Correa saga as they jumped in and agreed to a deal with the superstar shortstop after the Giants questioned his medicals.  Then when the Mets questioned his medicals, both sides backed out of the deal, and he ended up back in Minnesota.  The only real significant subtractions were starters Jacob deGrom, Chris Bassitt and Taijuan Walker, but they were more than adequately replaced.

Most Important Hitter

Brandon Nimmo

Brandon Nimmo had a career year in 2022, which just happened to be his contract year.  He cashed in to stay with the Mets, signing an 8 year $162 million deal.  However, it was only the second time in Nimmo's seven year career he has played in more than 100 games.  The production has always been decent when he is on the field.  The problem is he has to be on the field.  Was 2022 starting a new trend of health, or an anomaly in a career riddled with injuries?  The Mets have a potent middle of the order with the likes of Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso, but they are counting on Nimmo to be on base for them to drive in.

Most Important Pitcher

Kodai Senga

The Mets have a lot of money invested in their starting rotation.  The amount of money they are paying the comination of Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander more than 9 teams' entire rosters.  However, most of the money invested in the rotation was spent on established older pitchers.  The one step they took to solidify part of their rotation passed this year and next was signing Kodai Senga.  The 30 year old Japanese star signed a 5 year $75 million deal with the Mets.  These Japanese players are definitely hit or miss.  Senga has some serious talent.  The question is ... will he be the next Masahiro Tanaka or the next Yusei Kikuchi?  If he is closer to Tanaka, then the Mets have an ace that will be around long after Scherzer and Verlander retire.

Prospect to Watch

Francisco Alvarez

On top of spending all this money, the Mets also boast a top ten caliber farm system, highlighted by one of the best prospects in all of baseball, 21 year old catcher Francisco Alvarez.  The reason the Mets signed a short term stop gap at catcher this offseason was to leave room for Alvarez to break out.  This kid showed all through the minors some elite pure power, slugging 24 homers in 2021 and 27 homers in 2022.  He got a taste of the big leagues at the end of last season, and although he is starting 2023 back in the minors, he will be brought up soon to be another centerpiece of the heart of the Mets batting order.

2023 Prediction

1st in NL East, lose in NLCS

Somehow, a 101 win team looks on paper to have greatly improved this offseason.  They should win the division, but the Braves and Phillies will definitely make it difficult on them.  Can they go all the way?  Absolutely.  I struggle to see a team with this much turnover again coming together in a way to go all the way.  There's a reason whenever the moniker of "best team money can buy" rarely produces a championship.

Fearless Prediction

A closer named Diaz will lead the Mets in saves in 2023.

It was heartbreaking to see such a moment of joy turn so fast in one fatal misstep as Edwin Diaz tore up his knee in the middle of a joyous celebration with his WBC teammates.  It left the Puerto Rico team dejected and the Mets without a closer for the season.  The Mets have announced they will use a closer by committee to start the season, but you know Steve Cohen won't be content with that.  A trade will be made for a closer, and one of the most likely candidates is Edwin's brother Alexis Diaz.  Currently the closer for the Reds, the younger Diaz was shedding tears on the field watching Edwin be carried off the field.  Wouldn't it be poetic if the Mets used some of their farm system depth to bring him in to fill in for his brother?  The Reds are always willing right now to get rid of established stars for prospect potential.  This seems like too good of a story for the Mets to pass up.

2021 Pre-Season Profile: New York Mets

 #7

The New York Mets made huge headlines over the offseason with a new owner and a new superstar.  Now the expectations are ridiculously high for this team that was under .500 in 2020.  Will they be able to reach those expectations?

2020 Predictions

#14 - 3rd in NL East

MIH - Robinson Cano

MIP - Edwin Diaz

PTW - Kevin Smith

2020 Results

#21 - 26-34, 4th in NL East

The Mets were not that bad in 2020, but they got stuck in the crazy NL East where they were tied for the worst record in the division with the defending champion Nationals.  Jacob deGrom followed up back-to-back Cy Young seasons with a 3rd place finish, they had a bounceback season from Robinson Cano, and several young players had breakout seasons like Brandon Nimmo and Dominic Smith.  So although the final record doesn't show it, there were definitely some good things that happened in 2020.

Additions / Subtractions

If there was one move this offseason that revitalized an entire organization that had nothing to do with the roster, it was definitely the announcement of new owner Steve Cohen in Queens.  If there was one move this offseason that revitalized an entire organization that did impact the roster, it was the Mets trading for Francisco Lindor.  The Mets also added to the rotation with Taijuan Walker via free agency and Marcus Stroman who is back after opting out last season.  This will make up for Steven Matz signing elsewhere.  They should also be getting back Noah Syndergaard at some point this season too.  The biggest subtraction might have been a blessing in disguise when Robinson Cano was suspended for the season for steroids.  They will miss his bat in the lineup, but they enjoyed having the extra $24 million to spend in free agency.  Overall, the offseason went about as good as possible for the Mets.

Most Important Hitter

Francisco Lindor

Of all the players in the league, the most pressure might be on Francisco Lindor to singlehandedly turn around a slumping franchise.  He has to try and do that while also being in the final year of his contract.  Many think it is a foregone conclusion he re-signs with the Mets, and contract negotiations are currently ongoing, but the biggest storylines with the Mets revolve around him.  Can Lindor really make that much of an impact?  Was he worth the steep price they paid to get him?  Will he be in Queens beyond 2021?  This is by far the most important hitter on the team this season.

Most Important Pitcher

Marcus Stroman

We all know Jacob deGrom is possibly the best pitcher in baseball, but he can't pitch every day.  The rotation needs depth, and it needs more than one ace to compete with some of the elite rotations in the division and the National League in general.  With Syndergaard still recovering from an injury, this has to start with Marcus Stroman.  When Stroman is right, he is one of the best pitchers in the game.  The best example of this is probably the near no hitter he threw in the WBC Championship a few years ago.  However, the Mets have only seen him for part of 2019 before he opted out of 2020.  He needs to come back and show he is ready to be dominant again.  This is also his contract year, and if he wants to get the big pay day, this year has to be him at his best.

Prospect to Watch

Khalil Lee

The Mets are ranked the 19th best farm system in baseball.  They have some decent talent in their system boasting 4 Top 100 Prospects.  The problem is none of it is very close to the majors (you can probably thank the Cano for Kelenic trade).  The player most likely to impact the big league roster this season is Khalil Lee.  Lee is the 7th best prospect in the Mets system and was the key piece the Mets received in the Benintendi to KC deal this offseason.  He has the makeup of a solid big league outfielder, and with the lack of depth in the outfield for the Mets, he could be called up at some point and get a chance to show what he can do.

2021 Prediction

2nd in NL East, WILD CARD, lose in NLDS

I think the Mets have done enough to make themselves a serious contender in this division again, even with as competitive as it is going to be.  Francisco Lindor should breathe life and excitement into this team, Pete Alonso should bounce back after a slight sophomore slump, and with Syndergaard coming back mid-season, they should be getting healthy and dangerous at just the right time.  I have them grabbing a Wild Card spot, and knowing that Jacob deGrom is probably pitching a Wild Card Game, they should take down any lineup they face, even if it is the Padres.  They might not get much farther than that, but this will be a huge step forward for a franchise that finally might be competing with the Yankees for notoriety in the Big Apple.

Fearless Prediction

Robinson Cano has played his last game in the big leagues.

Robinson Cano's career was on a Hall of Fame path just a few short years ago.  He was the best second baseman for about a decade, he revitalized a Mariners franchise and almost singlehandedly made them relevant again, and he continued to show he was one of the most natural baseball talents of his generation.  Then he was suspended for steroids in 2018, missing a huge chunk of the season.  Then the trade to the Mets happened, giving him a fresh start back in New York.  Although 2019 didn't go great, 2020 showed the Mets there was still some life in that 37 year old bat.  Then this offseason he received his second steroids suspension, this time knocking him out for an entire season.  If this season is as successful without him as it is looking to be, the Mets might want to move on, even though he is still under contract for 2 more seasons after 2021.  Also, after a full season suspension, baseball might just be done with him, and one of the greatest players of the 21st century so far might be sent off and never heard from again.

2021 Pre-Season Profile: Cleveland Indians

 #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?

2020 Predictions

#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.

2019 Pre-Season Profile: Cleveland Indians

#11

The Cleveland Indians have owned the AL Central over the last several years.  Will their young core of hitters and top-notch starters bring about another playoff run in 2019?

2018 Predictions

1st in AL Central, lose in ALDS

Corey Kluber will be the AL starting pitcher in the All Star Game.

2018 Results

91-71, 1st in AL Central, lost in ALDS

Yes, the Indians won 90 games, but they won the AL Central more by default being the only team to finish with a record above .500.  They have had a similar formula the last few seasons: pitch well behind Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer, and Carlos Carrasco while scoring runs behind emerging superstars Jose Ramirez and Francisco Lindor.  Ramirez and Lindor almost had 8 win seasons, while Kluber (who made the All Star Team but didn't start) has a 5.8 and Bauer had a 5.7 WAR.  All this success did not lead to any postseason success as they still carry such a long championship drought.

Additions / Subtractions

The Indians had one of the more intriguing offseasons in the league.  The front office looked at the roster they had put together and started to question how sustainable their payroll would be moving forward.  They traded away slugger Edwin Encarnacion to the Mariners to bring back former Indian Carlos Santana.  They traded away catcher Yan Gomes and slugger Yonder Alonso.  They traded corner infielder Yandy Diaz to the Rays for Jake Bauers, who has much more flexibility.  Their top outfielders from a year ago, Michael Brantley and Melky Cabrera, left through free agency and really weren't replaced.  Some late minor league acquisitions that will obviously have a big league impact eventually were Hanley Ramirez and Carlos Gonzalez, but they really tried to cut salary.  They even tried to do more, with constant rumors of Kluber or Bauer being traded, but that came to no avail.

Most Important Hitter

Bradley Zimmer

One of the reasons the Indians did not work harder to find some outfielders in they believe in Bradley Zimmer.  Entering his third season in the big leagues, this 26 year old centerfielder had established himself as the everyday starter last year before he injured his shoulder and ended his season.  He is not expected to be ready by Opening Day, but he is being counted on as being a key piece of what the Indians do this year.  They need him to break out to justify their lack of movement in replacing their outfield production from a year ago.

Most Important Pitcher

Brad Hand

The Indians have one of the best rotations in baseball, but they also have been touting an elite bullpen as well.  However, over the last several seasons they have watched pieces from their World SEries bullpen slowly leave.  Bryan Shaw left via free agency before last season, and this season saw the departure of closer Cody Allen and super reliever Andrew Miller.  None of the main pieces of their World Series super bullpen of 2016 are left.  This makes Brad Hand, their new closer, extremely important.  Hand was acquired at the Trade Deadline last season from the Padres for top propect Francisco Mejia, and he showed why they paid such a big price for him.  He is an elite bullpen arm, but now he will not have the company in the bullpen the Indians are used to surrounding their closer with.  Hand cannot have a bad season if the Indians want to be great this season.

Prospect to Watch

Yu Chang

The Indians only have two prospects listed in MLB's top 100, and one of them (Triston McKenzie) might make his debut this season depending on what happens with the Indians rotation throughout the season.  However, the player most likely to make a big league impact this season is Yu Chang.  This 23 year old infielder is the Indians 6th best prospect and played his entire 2018 season in AAA to decent success.  The reason he has a chance to make a big league impact this season is the fact that second baseman Jason Kipnis, shortstop Francisco Lindor, and third baseman Jose Ramirez all will probably start the season on the injured list (formerly the disabled list).  The Indians are finding ways to fill these holes temporarily with big league names, but if some of these injuries linger and some of the big leaguers struggle, Chang will get his opportunity to prove himself and show he can be a young utility infielder behind their cast of All Stars.

2019 Prediction

2nd in AL Central

Being ranked 11th on my list means I see the Indians as the last team to miss the playoffs.  They still have all their talent, but I get the feeling this window is closing quickly.  If the Indians are talking about trading some of their All Stars in their prime because they can't afford it, this success is fleeting.  Their division also shouldn't be the pushover it was last season too.  By pure talent, the Indians have to be in the conversation, but combine injuries with potential disgruntled aces and this could be the beginning of the end for this Indians run.

Fearless Prediction

This will be Francisco Lindor's last full season in Cleveland.

Lindor is entering his age 25 season and is already a 3 time All Star.  He is one of the best emerging young superstars in the game.  When he hits the free agent market after the 2021 season, he will be looking to get a contract similar to Machado, Harper, Arenado, or even Trout.  If this offseason showed anything, the Indians will not be able to afford that.  That means Lindor's time in Cleveland has an expiration date.  If he is not a long-term Indian, they might want to maximize his value on the trade market.  Especially if they miss the playoffs this season, the Indians might realize they need to move on from their current core sooner rather than later.

2017 Pre-Season Profile: Cleveland Indians

#6

The Cleveland Indians surprised everyone in 2016 by making a deep postseason run, coming so very close to ending their long championship drought.  Will 2017 provide a repeat performance?

My 2016 Predictions

4th in AL Central

Trevor Bauer will need Tommy John surgery by the end of the season.

2016 Results

94-67, 1st in AL Central, lost World Series

One of my worst predictions of all time was the 2016 Cleveland Indians.  The only consolation I have is I was not alone in doubting the potential of the Tribe.  The Indians rode solid starting pitching, timely hitting, and a dominant bullpen all the way to extra innings in Game 7 of the World Series before their run came to an end by the hand of the Chicago Cubs and a rain delay.  As for my Fearless Prediction, Trevor Bauer did not go down with Tommy John, however he did hurt his team in the playoffs when he had a run-in with a drone.  I'll call that prediction a push.

Additions / Subtractions

The Indians made one of the biggest splashes of the offseason by bringing in veteran slugger Edwin Encarnacion.  The biggest weakness of the Indians has been their offense, however Encarnacion will definitely improve that aspect as he replaces Mike Napoli as the DH.  Other than that, the Indians are bringing back a very similar roster to last season.

Most Important Hitter

Michael Brantley

Although the Indians didn't make any other big offseason moves, getting Michael Brantley back healthy is like making another big free agent signing.  Brantley was one of the best hitters in baseball for a three or four year stretch.  However, he only played 11 games in 2016 as injuries have really disrupted his career.  Now, he is trying to come back and resume what was becoming a superstar career.  The Indians made their run last season without their best hitter.  It is really remarkable.  If Brantley can come back and be dominant again, the combination of Brantley, Encarnacion, Kipnis, and Lindor will completely change the face of this offense.

Most Important Pitcher

Danny Salazar

I'll be honest with you ... I can't tell the difference between Carlos Carrasco and Danny Salazar.  With Corey Kluber emerging as an ace and one of the best pitchers in baseball, these two young arms have been slotted as the second and third starters on the staff.  Their 2016 numbers are almost identical even!  Carrasco started 25 games, and went 11-8 with a 3.32 ERA and 150 strikeouts over 146.1 innings.  Salazar stared 25 games, and went 11-6 with a 3.87 ERA and 161 strikeouts over 137.1 innings.  By the way, both were also hurt for the playoff run and weren't in the rotation.  They are both quality starters that have the potential to be All Stars.  They both need to take a step forward in 2017 for this pitching staff to improve.  Why am I going with Salazar over Carrasco?  He is three years younger so he has more opportunity to grow.

Player to Watch

Bradley Zimmer

Tyler Naquin is a second year player patrolling centerfield.  Michael Brantley's health is a question mark heading into the season in leftfield.  Journeyman Abraham Almonte is on his third team before the age of 28 and starting in rightfield.  The outfield has some potential holes.  Enter the Indians' top prospect Bradley Zimmer.  This 24 year old prospect has all the makings of a future star in the big leagues.  If one of these question marks fall through during the 2017 season, look for Zimmer to emerge as a future mainstay in their outfield.

2017 Predictions

1st in AL Central, lose in ALDS

It is so hard to repeat the success of a surprise season like the Indians in 2016.  However, if the Kansas City Royals are any indicator on how to do it, it starts with a dominant bullpen.  That is one thing no one is questioning about the Indians in 2017.  They have too much talent and too good of a manger in Terry Francona to miss the playoffs.  I don't see the magic repeating itself from last year though.  They will be back there soon though.

Fearless Prediction

The Indians will trade for a starting catcher mid-season.

Yan Gomes has been the starting catcher for the Indians in recent years.  However, his 2016 season was terrible.  If he struggles again this year, the Indians will have no choice but to find someone else to be their backstop.  They have a catching prospect in Francisco Mejia that will be ready in the next year or two, but that won't help them this season.  Look for a move to be made for a veteran catcher and for the Indians to give up on Gomes.