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

2. Play or trade Yandy

Do something with Yandy Diaz! But do not send him to Triple-A Columbus.

The man doesn’t need to take another minor-league at bat in his life. He’s had 1,036 at-bats at the Class AAA level. He’s a career .319 batter. He’s proved everything there is to prove there. The Indians need to either find him at-bats in the major league level or trade him for outfield help.

There’s a few things to consider regarding how to use Diaz in 2019.

First and foremost, he does not play the outfield. That’s a crushing blow for a team desperate for outfield help entering 2019.

Logically you’d start him at third base and keep Jose Ramirez at second. However, the Tribe should try to re-sign Donaldson to a “prove-it” deal. If they’re successful at this, Cleveland could platoon Diaz with Yonder Alonso at first base.

A deal with Donaldson seems unlikely though, so Diaz figures to be Cleveland’s Opening Day third baseman.

If the Indians don’t play him, then the front office needs to consider trading him for outfield help.

Diaz is young, has potential and is under team control. Package him with someone like starting pitcher Shane Bieber and the Tribe could command a nice outfield piece in return.

Ideally, they give him a chance to play. It’d be a shame for Diaz to go elsewhere and show out like Jesus Aguilar has done with the Brewers.