5 players who will decide 2017 ALDS between Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees

Francisco LIndor, Indians, SS

As the face of the Cleveland Indians, Francisco Lindor needs to keep his star shining brightly.

October’s the biggest stage, and Lindor can take even bigger steps into superstardom by becoming Cleveland’s version of Mr. October.

Lindor hit .273 with 33 homers and 89 RBIs. He also scored 99 runs. He more home runs than any Cleveland shortstop ever.

Lender’s second half cast him into the MVP discussion, even though he won’t win.

Still, there was concern in Cleveland that Lindor was drowning in a sophomore slump.

More than a few though he was undeservedly named to the All-Star team after batting just .252 (.767 OPS) in the first half.

Since the mid-summer classic, LIndor hit .298 (.929 OPS) with 19 homers.

What’s amazing about Lindor is the power he’s generating at such a young age.

He had never hit more than 15 homers in professional baseball entering the 2017 season. In parts of five minor league seasons after he was drafted as a 18-year-old high schooler, Lindor hit just 21 home runs.

Next: 5 reasons the Indians will beat the Yankees

The enthusiasm for which he plays is infectious, and picks up the play of his teammates. If Lindor’s going well, the Tribe will be rolling.