History in the Making: Reaching The Cleveland Indians All-Time Top 20

Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Brantley – 16.6 career WAR

This one might be a little tough, though not quite as much of a longshot as Cookie. Brantley logged 7.4 WAR when he broke out in 2014, then dropped back to 3.7 in 2015 as his power faded and his back hurt. His being stupendously average for several years prior means he’s only got 18.4 wins to go. He’s only signed for three more years including this upcoming one, and if he does what I hope he does, he may get priced out of Cleveland right quick. Basically, he has to get 6 or more wins a year the rest of his contract, and considering he’s already going to miss April 2016 and be working back from shoulder surgery, it makes one…nervous for his chances. If he fulfills my dream and becomes the reincarnation of Roberto Clemente, who was worth 22 wins from ages 29 to 31, he’s golden. Plus I fully expect a more 18 to 22ish home run range for him, maybe not next year but 2017 and ‘18 for sure. Unfortunately, he’s not Robbie in the field, so that bat has to do the work. It’s a longshot, but it gets easier if he decides he’s fallen in love with Cleveland and will forgo the likely $100 million the Yankees will show him. Given the time left on his contract it’ll be a close one.

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