9. Build up the staff
The Indians staff will be weaker without Mike Clevinger in 2021, but the potential is certainly there to stay on track as one of the best rotations in the big leagues.
Shane Bieber, despite an ugly postseason debut, will be the ace. Carlos Carrasco is still under contract for $12 million. Zach Plesac flashed ace potential, while Aaron Civale looks like a dependable middle-of-the-rotation arm.
In 2021, the Indians will look for Triston McKenzie to take the next step, while filling out the fifth spot in the rotation from a conglomeration of players.
There’s plenty of former Padres to look at, including Joey Cantillo, Cal Quantrill and Logan Allen, while former Red Scott Moss is also an intruding candidate.
Adam Plutko may get another shot, but he really struggled against teams when facing a lineup for the second time.