CLEVELAND INDIANS (94-67), 1ST, AL CENTRAL
uSeason snapshot: The Indians were 26-24 at the end of May, then heated up and won the American League Central going away for their first division title since 2007 and first postseason berth since 2013. Cleveland’s 68-43 record from June 1 on was the best in the AL. The Indians were a surprising fourth in the major leagues in runs despite star left fielder
playing in 11 games before having season-ending shoulder surgery. Two lowbudget free agent signings paid off big as first baseman hit 34 home runs and drove in 101 runs while outfielder
led the AL with 43 stolen bases. Right-hander was the ace of a strong rotation, going 18-9 with a 3.14 ERA and 227 strikeouts in 215 innings.
uWhat now: The Indians’ hopes of reaching the World Series for the first time since 1997 and winning it for the first time since 1948 took a hit in September when right-handers (broken right hand) and (forearm tightness) were injured. That leaves Kluber and right-handers and
to carry the starting load. The Indians’ top offseason priority is trying to re-sign Napoli or finding someone to replace his production. A return to health by Brantley, who finished third in AL MVP voting in 2014, would provide a major boost.
uFree agent focus: The Indians and Napoli have mutual interest in striking a deal, but he certainly will want a significant raise from this year’s $7 million salary. Davis, who is making $5.25 million, also could be re-signed as a safeguard in the event Brantley is slow to heal. Cleveland almost certainly will exercise the $12 million club option on designated hitter for next season. Outfielder did not accumulate enough plate appearances to trigger his 2017 vesting option and is unlikely to be brought back. uProspects
a 23-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder, likely will make his major league debut in 2017. The Indians’ first-round draft pick in 2014 from the University of San Francisco hit a combined .250 with 15 home runs, 38 stolen bases and a .790 onbase-plus-slugging percentage (OPS) with Class AA Akron (Ohio) and Class AAA Columbus (Ohio) but struck out 171 times. First baseman 20, hit just .235 with 170 strikeouts in 131 games for high Class A Lynchburg (Va.) but had 29 homers, 102 RBI and an .810 OPS.
John Perrotto