Cleveland Indians: 3 sad predictions for Tribe in 2021

3. We’re still asking about the OF in 2022

If this truly is the case next December, we should be stark raving mad–and don’t let the team’s new name make you forget that the organization has ignored the outfield ever since Michael Brantley departed after the 2018 season.

There’s talk of playing Franmil Reyes in the outfield, but they talked about that last season, as well.

Ideally, Oscar Mercado shakes his sophomore slump and regains his form as a solid, everyday starter in center.

Really, the only ray of hope is top prospect Nolan Jones. He’s been brought up as a third baseman, but the Indians are going to give him an outfielders glove to accelerate his path to the big leagues. They don’t want to mess with Jose Ramirez at third and that’s a good thing since J-Ram just posted an MVP caliber season.

As for Jones, he still needs time in the minors. It’d be a big ask of a rookie to come up this year, learn a new position, hit well enough to keep and never let it go.

The only other bit of optimism is that they get an outfielder for Lindor. We thought they would get one for Mike Clevinger, so your guess is as good as mine.

Really, after Jones, the Indians will again, throw a bunch of guys at the grass and see who sticks. I’m hoping Daniel Johnson, a prospect acquired in the Yan Gomes deal, makes good on his potential.

Alas, it’s the same thing with every player: Potential. And if the Tribe can’t figure it out in 2021, the organization has nobody but itself to blame.