This is my attempt to predict how this off-season for the Indians might go. I'm predicting that the trade both Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco, unfortunately..
I personally hate the idea of trading Cookie. Hate it, but I think that's what the Indians WILL do because of salary concerns. I do think the market for him will be pretty good, so they'll get a better return there than for Lindor, honestly. Without further ado, here are my predictions for what will happen in the coming months:
Trade:
-Francisco Lindor, SS and Scott Moss, RHP, to Los Angeles Angels for Brandon Marsh, CF, and Jack Kruger, C
Releases/Non-Tenders:
Delino Deshields, OF, Tyler Naquin, OF, Adam Cimber, RHP, Sandy Leon, C, Brad Hand, LHP, Carlos Santana, 1B/DH, Domingo Santana, OF/DH
Waived/Not-Protected:
Adam Plutko, RHP, Bradley Zimmer, OF, Beau Taylor, C, Jefry Rodriguez, RHP
Added to 40-Man:
Nolan Jones, 3B/OF, Gabriel Arias, SS, Eli Morgan, RHP, Carlos Vargas, RHP, Ernie Clement, IF
Arbitration Reached:
Nick Wittgren, RHP, Phil Maton, RHP, Austin Hedges, C
Pitchers:
SP1: Shane Bieber, RHP
SP2: Carlos Carrasco, RHP
SP3: Zach Plesac, RHP
SP4: Aaron Civale, RHP
SP5: Triston McKenzie, RHP
Bullpen:
1. RHP - Nick Sandlin
2. RHP - Phil Maton
3. LHP - Philip Pfiefer
4. LHP - Kyle Nelson
5. RHP - Cal Quantrill
6. RHP - Nick Wittgren
7. RHP - James Karinchak
8. RHP - Emmanuel Clase
Hitters:
C: Roberto Perez
1B: Bobby Bradley
2B: Owen Miller
3B: Jose Ramirez
SS: Yu Chang
LF: Josh Naylor
CF: Brandon Marsh
RF: Jake Bauers, LH/Jordan Luplow, RH
DH: Franmil Reyes
Bench:
OF - Daniel Johnson
IF - Tyler Freeman
C - Austin Hedges
Expect to see plenty of Nolan Jones (in the outfield, with Bauers or Bradley then playing first), Ernie Clement and Oscar Mercado throughout the year as well. Logan Allen, Eli Morgan and Sam Hentges will also get some time in the rotation. I think this roster will compete for a playoff berth if the playoffs are left expanded, and probably finish around .500 in the beginning of a min-rebuild time for the Indians.
I could foresee the Indians signing like a Freddy Galvis or Cesar Hernandez to a small contract to play either second-base or shortstop for 2021, but we will see. I think their main goal is going to be getting some of their up and coming younger players spots to see how they hold up to major league at-bats, and saving money because of the pandemic.
