Cleveland Indians: Kipnis now has a position so what does that mean for the OF?

Position updates are becoming known but there are still unknowns for the Cleveland Indians’ outfield.

Jason Kipnis is one of many Cleveland Indians players that will see an increase in salary in 2018. Due to that along with an uncertainty where he would play and past inconsistent play, I was hoping Kipnis would get dealt this offseason.

I know am not the only one that hoped for such a move.

Because of those cons and more, with a Kipnis trade, an ideal offseason would have included Cleveland signing players that could make a difference in the outfield and/or the bullpen. A Kipnis trade technically could still be made but don’t plan on it.

That said, Cleveland had to make a decision on Kipnis. According to cleveland.com’s Paul Hoynes, the Tribe has decided to make Kipnis their second baseman in 2018.

Kip goes back to his old position thus pushing Jose Ramirez back to third. If you recall, Kipnis was seen playing in the outfield in 2017.

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Since Cleveland isn’t bringing in any bigger names barring a steal in free agency, Tribe fans need to cross their fingers and hope the outfield situation works out. Michael Brantley was brought back even though he cannot stay healthy and is no longer the player Cleveland can count on.

Brantley will be the biggest wild card. If he does well, great, but even if Brantley does produce, the Indians need to move on from him ASAP. Why hope Brantley does well on a yearly-basis rather than solidifying it with a long-term option?

Assuming Kipnis continues to be a solid second baseman again, maybe manager Terry Francona looks to play Yandy Diaz even more in the outfield.

If Cleveland sees Giovanny Urshela actually hit in spring training, perhaps Francona is persuaded to play him in the outfield too.

Remember, Chisenhall was an infielder primarily but eventually got placed in right field. Something similar could happen with Urshela.

However you see Cleveland’s outfield situation, I am confident we can all agree that the outfield situation is the most glaring weakness on the roster.

Bradley Zimmer is the favorite to start in center field again with the only legitimate competition being Greg Allen. However, Allen may be best suited to replace Brantley or Chisenhall long-term.

Center field provides the best feeling among the three positions in 2018 with the corner outfield positions sharing most of the concern.

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There are still unknowns but the puzzle is coming together. In time we will know exactly what Cleveland wants to do with the outfield. As we wait though, hopefully roster moves somehow are made to improve that area. At least there is no more uncertainty over what Cleveland will do with Kipnis.