FanPost

An Early Look at a 2021 Projected Cleveland Indians' Roster

Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

With the news that makes it unclear whether or not MLB will have an expanded postseason, it is difficult for me to predict Cleveland spending for a free agent. As Cesar Hernandez continues to come up in discussions, I'm going to cautiously predict that the team works something out with him. I also think they will bring in a veteran outfielder on a minor-league deal. For the purposes of this exercise, I'm going with Steven Souza, Jr., but insert any 1-win outfielder you prefer:

Opening Day Roster:
1. Cesar Hernandez, 2B
2. Jose Ramirez, 3B
3. Josh Naylor/Jordan Luplow, RF
4. Franmil Reyes, DH
5. Jake Bauers, 1B
6. Andres Gimenez, SS
7. Daniel Johnson/Steven Souza, LF
8. Roberto Perez, C
9. Amed Rosario, CF

Bench:
Austin Hedges, C
Yu Chang, IF

Rotation:
1. Shane Bieber, RHP
2. Zach Plesac, RHP
3. Aaron Civale, RHP
4. Triston McKenzie, RHP
5. Cal Quantrill, RHP

Bullpen:
1. Adam Plutko, RHP
2. Anthony Gose, LHP
3. Kyle Nelson, LHP
4. Trevor Stephan, RHP
5. Phil Maton, RHP
6. Nick Wittgren, RHP
7. James Karinchak, RHP
8. Emmanuel Clase, RHP

Woof... that lineup looks rough. And, staring at a rotation missing Carrasco is also a big gulp moment. Of course, we can feel good about the Indians' ability to put together a quality bunch of arms, and I still feel good about the whole pitching staff, but there are a lot of reasons to be anxious. Now, let's try to be a little more ambitious and look at what the roster may look like on June 1st.

June 21st Roster:

Lineup:
1. Cesar Hernandez, 2B
2. Jose Ramirez, 3B
3. Josh Naylor/Jordan Luplow, RF
4. Franmil Reyes, DH
5. Nolan Jones, LF
6. Andres Gimenez, SS
7. Bobby Bradley, 1B
8. Roberto Perez, C
9. Amed Rosario, CF

Bench:
Austin Hedges, C
Yu Chang, IF
Steven Souza, Jr. OF

Rotation:
1. Shane Bieber, RHP
2. Zach Plesac, RHP
3. Aaron Civale, RHP
4. Triston McKenzie, RHP
5. Cal Quantrill, RHP

Bullpen:
1. Adam Plutko, RHP
2. Kyle Nelson, LHP
3. Sam Hentges, LHP
4. Trevor Stephan, RHP
5. Phil Maton, RHP
6. Nick Wittgren, RHP
7. James Karinchak, RHP
8. Emmanuel Clase, RHP

Our hopes for Nolan Jones improve this lineup. But, they are still just hopes for now. And, I tried to reflect the idea that I expect to see both Bradley and Bauers and Hentges and Gose get their shots to help the roster in switching some things here (Bauers has no option, so he will have to be assumed to be injured in June, or cut, in this scenario). Zimmer has no options, so I guess in this scenario he is also hurt or cut. And, Daniel Johnson and Oscar Mercado will get their looks. The more and more I look at the roster, it makes sense that the Indians would try Rosario out in center, so that's what I decided to project. Whether or not he can cut it there remains to be seen. If not, he probably becomes the utility infielder, or starting shortstop if the Indians decide to leave Gimenez at AAA to manipulate his service time (bleah). While I don't think this is a playoff team, I do think it will be fun to watch these young players show what they can do at a major league level.

HOPEFULLY, there is a minor league season, as well, which can allow some of our better prospects to develop. And, if some of them develop well, and fans are allowed to return in greater numbers, MAYBE the team considers dealing for a bat at the deadline if the team is hanging around contention.

Let me know what you think in the comments below!

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