Is team headed for big step back?
In what direction is the franchise
going? Cleveland has been in the spotlight during this offseason, not often for the best of reasons. In December, the team announced it was moving on from its racist nickname, but not for the 2021 season. Weeks later, Cleveland traded superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor to the Mets. With one year left before Lindor’s free agency, Cleveland opted to trade the face of the franchise because it correctly assumed it would not be able to match competitors once he hit the open market.
It’s clear that ownership has little intention of raising payroll, at least to the level of bigger-market teams. Which brings us to the most pressing question: With eight consecutive winning seasons, but one trip as far as the American League Championship Series, is Cleveland heading for a rebuild?
The rotation: The starting pitching staff is led by ace Shane Bieber, the reigning AL Cy Young winner who was largely unhittable during the truncated season. Through his first three seasons in the majors, Bieber has posted a 3.06 FIP (which removes results on balls hit into play) with a K/9 ratio of 11.05 (and a mark that hit 14.2 in 2020). While trotting him out every fifth day is an advantage, the question remains whether the next four guys in line can provide suitable reinforcement.
The rotation has experienced the exodus of Trevor Bauer, Mike Clevinger and Corey Kluber in recent offseasons. A new crop of arms – Zach Plesac, Aaron Civale, Triston McKenzie – has emerged to take the reins.
Expectations are particularly high for McKenzie, who flashed in a relief role last season but should have the opportunity to enter the rotation.
Where will the offense come from?
Without Lindor, who plays premier defense and has a dynamic bat, Cleveland will be looking for run production. Manager Terry Francona – one of the game’s best – has the luxury of writing Jose Ramirez’s name in the lineup every day. Additional firepower should come from DH
Franmil Reyes and outfielder Josh Naylor, who came over in the Clevinger trade and had five hits in seven at-bats in Cleveland’s two-game wild-card playoff series against the Yankees.
Newcomers Andres Gimenez and Amed Rosario – both acquired in the Lindor trade – are poised to play the middleinfield spots. Gimenez wrapped up a rookie season in which he showed true promise. Rosario has yet to live up to the lofty expectations placed on him as a prospect but has certainly shown flashes. Rosario hit .287 with 15 homers, 72 RBI, 19 steals and a .755 OPS in 2019, his last full big-league season.
Who steps up in the bullpen? Aside from closer James Karinchak, another Cleveland pitcher who rose through its system, no one has stepped up to bridge the starters to him.
Fireballer Emmaunel Clase (age 22; 2-3, 2.31 ERA, 21 strikeouts in 23 1⁄3 innings in 2019) came from the Rangers as one of the headliners’ in the Kluber trade.
Will the winning seasons streak end? If Cleveland indeed cannot match the level of play simply due to lack of production on both sides of the ball, then the team appears destined to finish sub-.500 for the first time since 2012. It would end an impressive streak that helped Cleveland stake its claim as one of the more consistent clubs in MLB.