9 moves the Cleveland Indians must make this offseason

7. Pick up Chisenhall’s option

Lonnie Chisenhall was having a terrific season until a calf injury sidelined him.

Before the All-Star break, he batted .305 with 12 homers and 51 RBI. There was a strong case that The Chiz Kid should’ve been an All-Star. After the break, Chisenhall’s production fell off. He was limited to 49 at-bats because of the injury, and he hit just .224 and didn’t hit another homer the rest of the season.

He’s an above average defender.

He’s due to make $12 million if the Tribe brings him back, and it’s probably a good bet Chris Antonetti will pull the trigger.

The same train of thought applies to Chisenahll, as it does with Brantley. If the Indians don’t bring back Chisenhall, who do they replace him with?

With Chisenhall in the fold, the former No. 1 overall pick could start in left field, while Bradley Zimmer starts in center. Bruce can hold down right field, while Austin Jackson and Brandon Guyer offer Terry Francona the option of inserting a right-handed bat should he desire it.

Michael Brantley, another left hander batter, would have to play first base in this scenario, but depending on the severity of his ankle injury, this might not be a bad thing.

Brantley played first in the minors, and knowing his work ethic, it’s not crazy to think Brantley couldn’t get a good grasp on the position by the time he returns from his ankle surgery.