3 Changes the Indians Must Make in the Offseason After Missing the Playoffs

The Cleveland Indians gave it all they had this year, but in the end, their efforts weren't enough to grab them a spot in the postseason. Now, they head into the offseason looking to retool and make it back to October next year. And if they're going to make a return to the playoffs anytime soon, they'll need to make these three changes in the offseason.

3. Trade Corey Kluber

The Indians already scrapped part of their rotation when they dealt Trevor Bauer at the deadline, and now it's time they do the same with Corey Kluber. Injuries have become an increasingly large problem for him, which isn't exactly a good sign as he heads into his age-34 season. Considering the depth they have in the rotation with guys like Mike Clevinger, Zach Plesac and Shane Beiber, it wouldn't hurt them to dump his salary and perhaps grab a prospect or two in return.

2. Extend Francisco Lindor

Francisco Lindor is undoubtedly the face of the franchise right now. He's a transcendent talent at shortstop who has produced 27.1 fWAR since 2015, good for sixth among all position players during that stretch. He's slated to hit free agency after the 2021 season, and if the Indians want to get a better grasp of what their future holds, then they absolutely need to lock him up long term. The front office needs to stop being so tight-fisted and just fork over the money so he and Jose Ramirez can continue to carry the offense down the road.

1. Get Younger

Again, the Indians already moved toward this with their prospect acquisitions in the Bauer trade, but it's vital that they find young, talented players similar to rising star Oscar Mercado moving forward. This means that they need to let guys like Jason Kipnis, a veteran from the 2016 World Series team, walk in free agency. Establishing a young core in the offseason via trade and internal promotions could re-open their championship window.