5 ways Cleveland Indians trade for Brad Hand impacts the organization

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 17: Brad Hand #52 of the San Diego Padres and the National League pitches in the eighth inning against the American League during the 89th MLB All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard at Nationals Park on July 17, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

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WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 17: Jose Ramirez #11 of the Cleveland Indians and the American League reacts in the field against the National League during the 89th MLB All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard at Nationals Park on July 17, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

3. Window stays open

Fans and media alike pressured the Indians to “win now” because the window to win the World Series is wide open.

That’s true, but it’s not like if the Indians come up short this year that there won’t be more opportunities, especially in a division where four of the six teams are multiple seasons away from being competitive.

The truth this roster can keep contending through 2021, and maybe even later.

The year 2021 sticks out because it’s last year the Tribe has control over Francisco Lindor, Corey Kluber. Trevor Bauer and Carlos Carrasco are free agents after 2020, but with Shane Bieber already in the majors, and prospect Triston McKenzie on the rise, the Indians should be in the thick of AL Central.

Bullpen guys tend to fall out of nowhere, but the Indians have their core with Brad Hand through 2021 and Adam Cimber though 2023.

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