12 moves the Cleveland Indians must make to win 2019 World Series

After an abysmal showing against the Houston Astros in the postseason, the Cleveland Indians must make these 12 moves to return to the World Seres in 2019.

Despite a third straight AL Central crown, the Cleveland Indians enter the offseason on a sour note.

The club just got swept out of the ALDS by a Houston Astros team that dominated the Indians in every facet of the game.

The Indians didn’t just appear one move away from catching Houston, rather, the Tribe looks several big moves from playing at the Astros level.

But how does the Tribe close the gap?

Free agency doesn’t seem to be an option.

Cleveland had a payroll just north of $140 million this past season, and while $40 million will come off the books, raises and arbitration will quickly boost the Indians’ payroll back to what it was during the season.

They’re not going to spend money. Heck, they didn’t even draw 2 million fans. Ownership had just one postseason gate. There is no excess cash.

So the Tribe must get creative, and I bet that’s not the first time you’ve heard that.

Here’s 12 moves the Tribe must make this offseason to have a serious shot of returning to the World Series in 2019.