5 Things The Cleveland Indians Need To Do In the 2017-2018 Offseason

    The Cleveland Indians came off a World Series berth in 2016 and came into 2017 as favorites to go back to the fall classic. The 2017 season was a historic one for the Indians as it was only the third time the franchise reached the 100 win mark and set an AL record 22 game win streak. Unfortunately despite all the accolades and some great individual performances, Cleveland once again could not come away with a World Series and were outed in 5 games against the New York Yankees in the Divisional Series. With that said, here are 5 things the Indians need to do for the 2018 season.


1. Go After Another Potential Starter In The Offseason

     The Cleveland Indians appear to bet set with 1, 2, 3 parts of the rotation, (Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco,  Trevor Bauer), but the 4 and 5 spots are not necessarily locked. While Josh Tomlin had a remarkable 2nd half in 2017 and Danny Salazar along with Mike Clevinger provide good competition, you can never have enough pitching. They may need to find someone who needs a change of scenery like Scott Kazmir did in 2013 or a veteran who can provide both depth and experience. Perhaps Jake Arrieta, but only if Cleveland is willing to shell out some cash.


2. Get Another Bat

 Cleveland got Edwin Encarnacion to solidify the cleanup spot for the near future. However, having another powerful bat in the lineup that also drives in runs is essential as evident as the New York Yankees showcased in the divisional series. As mentioned above, you can never have enough good pitching, but baseball seems to become a hitters game as of late, so adding another solid bat to the line up is a must. Perhaps Melky Cabrera or Curtis Granderson could be options if the Indians can not re-sign Jay Bruce.


3.  "Youth Movement"

     You're probably thinking "But they are not in a rebuild mode!" Cleveland has enough talent to make it to the playoffs but now they need to start bringing some of the guys in the system to provide depth and give them experience along with a shot of young life to the roster. With Carlos Santana's status up in the air, and possibly as well as Lonnie Chinsenhall's, it is time to start playing Greg Allen, Yandy Diaz, and Francisco Mejia on a regular basis and get them some reps.


4.  A New Look

    This kind of expands a bit on the previous point, but in many scenarios. It is possible it is time to part ways with Carlos Santana and dare I say even Michael Brantley (who has had issues staying healthy the past two years) and bring up the young talent like I mentioned above. It could also mean with Mejia emerging, that maybe Yan Gomes or maybe Roberto Perez could be replaced. Also, the Indians will need to make moves and or let people go in order to retain Francisco Lindor for the long-term future. Along with going after other potential free agents targets whether it be pitching or batting, money is going to be key and the Indians will probably need to make some moves in order for the roster to be filled accordingly.



5.  Terry Francona Must Remain Manager For The Foreseeable Future

   Terry Francona has two World Series rings and is a sure hall of famer. Despite not living up to this years expectations, (even with 100+ wins and the obtaining the AL win streak record) Francona now has the task of humbling his players after leading them to a World Series berth just a year prior. If anyone can do it, it is Francona! He has already turned the club around in a short period of time and and with Cleveland being in a "win now" mode, not keeping him around for the near future would put the Indians back to square one and a potential rebuild.


BONUS!  Keep the Chief Wahoo logo

 Nothing more needs to be said, the headline says it all!