3 Reasons the Indians Will Be Better in 2020

The AL Central is wide open in 2020, as the Minnesota Twins are far from an insurmountable force and the Chicago White Sox have plenty of proving to do. Up until last season, the Cleveland Indians ruled the roost in that division, but a slight dip in form prompted their regression in 2019. While things are looking grim for the Indians in 2020 according to the projection models, this team has all the tools to make another playoff run this season and reclaim the AL Central. Here's three reasons why.

3. They Have Plenty of Power in the Outfield

Cleveland Indians outfielder Franmil Reyes / Jason Miller/Getty Images

The Indians have quietly assembled one of the most lethal outfields in all of baseball right under everyone's noses. Franmil Reyes has as much raw power as anyone in the game, while Domingo Santana should be a welcome veteran addition. With Oscar Mercado and Jordan Luplow coming off of breakout seasons, the arrow is pointing directly up for this unit. Bradley Zimmer finally breaking out could also help Cleveland surprise some folks this season.

2. Jose Ramirez Will Bounce Back

Cleveland Indians infielder Jose Ramirez / Ron Vesely/Getty Images

A .255 average, 23 home runs, 83 RBI and 24 steals isn't a bad year for most MLB starters. In fact, most of the league would be satisfied with those numbers. However, these are far below what Jose Ramirez is capable of, as he showed off during his All-Star seasons in 2017 and 2018, in which he finished third in the AL MVP voting both times. Ramirez and Francisco Lindor are arguably the best left side of the infield in baseball, and they will prove that once again in 2020.

1. Their Starting Rotation is Extremely Underrated

Cleveland Indians starter Shane Bieber / Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

The loss of Corey Kluber via trade leaves this rotation less accomplished, but that doesn't mean there will be a steep drop off in quality. Shane Bieber was an All-Star last season and looks poised to repeat, while Mike Clevinger hasn't posted an ERA above 3.11 in the last three seasons. Carlos Carrasco is back and ready to start pitching again, while Zach Plesac and Adam Plutko are prime breakout candidates. With depth for days, Cleveland might be able to pitch their way to the playoffs.