Cleveland Indians: Five 2018 spring training predictions

A good majority of the 2018 Cleveland Indians’ roster will remain the same but they certainly have their issues.

In a matter of days, we will see the Cleveland Indians back in action in Goodyear, AZ. This past offseason was an odd one, not only for Cleveland but for MLB.

There are still a number of talented of players left to be signed. Due to free agency being backed up, teams have had to alter their offseason plans or simply wait.

The Tribe has been mentioned to various degrees in trade rumors but ultimately fell victim to the supply/demand market. Otherwise, we would have seen at least one trade being completed.

One word that can describe this season’s Indians’ team is versatility. A couple of names that come to mind when I think about that are P Danny Salazar and 3B/OF Yandy Diaz.

With how the offseason played out, this season’s spring training should be a little different. As more signings and trades eventually play out, key decisions on the 25 man roster may be postponed a bit.

For example, let’s say there are two players who play different positions competing for the last spot. Another team then calls and wants to make a trade to acquire one of those two players. Should something like that happen, the last spot is solidified.

If needed, once the regular season begins, Cleveland could swap out that last pitcher or utility man for someone else. Looking ahead to what we may see in spring training, here are five predictions.