Team Strengths: Cleveland built the American League’s best spinning by acquiring Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer, Carlos Carrasco and Mike Clevinger as prospects, and now there are homegrown arms to supplement them. Shane Bieber has ably stepped in with Danny Salazar addled with accidents, and No. 1 prospect Triston McKenzie may debut in 2019.
Team Weaknesses: Tyler Naquin and Bradley Zimmer haven’t developed as expected, leaving the Indians dangerously brief in the outfield. The team is now even milder following Michael Brantley and Lonnie Chisenhall left in free service. A bullpen that had the majors’ ERA was depleted Cody Allen and by Andrew Miller leaving.
They Did About ItThe Indians replaced Edwin Encarnacion and Yonder Alonso at designated hitter and first base, respectively, with Carlos Santana and Jake Bauers, but didn’t tackle the team’s main shortcomings. Jordan Luplow and Daniel Johnson were their sole outfield additions, and Nick Wittgren was their lone bullpen addition not on a minor league deal.
Final Outlook: The Indians are more vulnerable than they’ve been in years, particularly if Francisco Lindor’s calf injury lingers. Still, the general weakness of the AL Central still makes them the preferred for a fourth straight division title.