2017 Cleveland Indians Roster Preview: First Base

First base drastically changed for the Cleveland Indians since the final out of Game 7 of the World Series with a key departure and a huge addition.

The Party At Napoli’s is over, but the Cleveland Indians begin Opening Day in good hands at first base.

Carlos Santana is back in the fold, and he’ll be joined by his good friend Edwin Encarnacion, who signed a three-year, $60 million free-agent contract during the offseason.

While Santana and Napoli basically shared the position, Santana is expected to play more time in the field than his new teammate.

Cleveland.com’s Paul Hoynes wrote about this topic at the beginning of Spring Training.

"“I think Carlos will play significantly more (at first base) than he did last year,” said manager Terry Francona. “I think he’s really excited about that. I’ve said it a number of times. Everything about Carlos’ game has gone forward for the better – his work ethic, his attitude, his openness to listen. I’m so proud of him. It’s fun to talk about him.”"

Encarnacion will rotate between first and DH with fellow slugger Carlos Santana.

Why will Santana be tapped to play more in the field?

When you’re talking defense, you’re talking talking about keeping the other team from scoring, and in 2016, Santana had his best season in terms of Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), as Hoynes noted.

"Last year Santana received a +1 ranking in defensive runs saved from Fangraphs.com in 556 2/3 innings at first base. In 2015, he received a -5 ranking in 1,157 innings at first. For his career he received a -8 at first base."

Santana was slightly better than Encarnacion, who graded zero in DRS and played in 75 games at first. He has a -17 grade for his career.

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The important thing for the Indians, though, is that both of these bats are going to be in the lineup basically every night.

Santana is coming off his best offensive season and is in a contract year. He totaled career highs in home runs (34), RBI (87) and slugging percentage (.489) during the 2016 campaign.

Encarnacion has hit at least 34 homers in each season dating bating to 2012. He drove in a career high 127 runs last season and helped the Jays reach the ALCS.

The Indians are committed to Encarnacion, and will probably make a run at keeping Santana this offseason for the right price.

The Tribe doesn’t boast any big-time first-base prospects in the upper levels of the minors.

Jesus Aguilar played at Class AAA Columbus for parts of three years. It’s been announced he’s made the Milwaukee Brewers Opening Day roster after being six home runs this spring. Aguilar sniffed the Majors in each of the last three seasons. In 64 big-league plate appearances, he’s struck out 21 times.

Bobby Bradley, rated as the Tribe’s fourth best prospect, will probably open the season at Class AA Akron.

He’s certainly one to watch after blasting 29 homers and driving in 102 runs. Like Aguilar, Bradley has a strikeout problem. He fanned 170 times in 572 plate appearance.

Next: THE 5 Keys To Success For The 2017 Indians

Bradley’s still a few years away from being ready, but for now, first base is as in good a shape as its ever been at the corner of Carnegie and Ontario.

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