







As I mentioned in yesterdays post about the Cincinnati Reds, the 2019 Major League Baseball offseason has been one of the most interesting and confusing offseason's in recent memory. Arguably two of baseball's biggest prizes have gone unclaimed in Bryce Harper and Manny Machado.





While the Indians seemed to have a shot at acquiring Harper at the trade deadline this past season, it seems right now there is a two headed race for both of these prizes. This leaves the Indians in a weird position. After standing still this entire offseason, this Indians roster looks quite depleted from what it once was.





Starting with the trade of Edwin Encarnacion to Seattle, the biggest acquisition for the Indians was bringing back fan favorite 1st baseman, Carlos Santana. Santana spent seven years with the Indians organization, helping the team to their most recent World Series appearance in 2016.





Although when you look around, a lot of those faces from that team have departed this offseason. Relievers Andrew Miller and Cody Allen have both left the organization and signed elsewhere. Michael Branley, although not healthy for the World Series, has signed with the Houston Astros. Josh Tomlin is no longer a pitcher in the Indians organization.





Aside from Francisco Lindor, Jose Ramirez, Corey Kluber and a few other young faces, the team that went to the World Series just a few seasons ago has broken up, and the Indians are faced with the unfortunate reality of retooling before they can make another run.





After trading catcher Yan Gomes, the Indians acquired Kevin Plawecki from the New York Mets, which will be a good addition to the team, but seems backwards in trading an All-Star catcher away while still under contract.





As we head into Spring Training, Francisco Lindor injured his calf and will miss 7-9 weeks, eyeing his return as the 2nd or 3rd week of the season.





The biggest change for the Indians this season will come in terms of looks, as Chief Wahoo was removed from all uniforms, and the Indians have substituted their blue script Indians jersey for a red one. The team also unveiled their new headwear as a navy block 'C' hat with a red brim. These all most likely will serve as place holders until next season when the Indians can unveil a new brand under Nike, who takes over as the MLB jersey supplier in 2020.





With no big name prospects left in their pipeline, the Indians are forced to rely on 2nd year pitcher Shane Bieber (No relation to Justin) to become a mainstay in the rotation, as Triston McKenzie (Number #41 prospect) will be a few years away from the Majors. Nolan Jones (Number #67 prospect) is the only other Indians prospect in the Top 100. Francisco Mejia, former Indians prospect who was traded to San Diego, sits at Number #26.





While the AL Central is still the weakest division in baseball, the Indians should still have the path to 1st place and their playoff spot ll but wrapped up. Although with a lot of prospects scheduled to make their debut this season, and a certain golden prize rumored next to their name, the Chicago White Sox are looking to be baseballs surprise of the season. The Minnesota Twins are even making moves trying to find their name in contention for the postseason this year. The Indians better buckle up, because the easy road for Ohio's northern squad is looking harder and harder by the day.





- Jason-Scott Greenberg @JGreenberg11 / @GRNBSports