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Cleveland Indians: 5 Things to be Thankful For in 2016

By Steven Kubitza

Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians center fielder Rajai Davis (20) celebrates with teammates after hitting a two-run home run against the Chicago Cubs in the 8th inning in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians center fielder Rajai Davis (20) celebrates with teammates after hitting a two-run home run against the Chicago Cubs in the 8th inning in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 19, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) celebrates with Cleveland Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) after scoring a run during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in game five of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) celebrates with Cleveland Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) after scoring a run during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in game five of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

While some teams are in a rush to win a title due to aging stars, the Indians seem set to compete for the a championship for the foreseeable future.

With talent all over the roster, there are several young players who have yet to even hit their prime. And that should have fans feeling extra thankful this year.

Francisco Lindor is the first name that comes to mind. The shortstop is a star and is only 23 years old, with 2016 being only his first full season with the Indians. All he did was make the All-Star team and win a Gold Glove. He also finished ninth in the AL MVP voting.

Lindor is one of the faces of the franchise and should only continue to get better at the plate, where he hit a respectable .301 in 2016. He finished second on the team, behind another young star.

That star is Jose Ramirez, who had one of the most surprising seasons in franchise history. Originally expected to be a utility player, Ramirez cemented himself as the starting third baseman, and was one of the most dominant offensive players on the roster.

His .312 average was the best on the team among qualifying hitters, while his .363 on-base percentage ranked second behind Carlos Santana.

With Lindor and Ramirez occupying the left side of the infield and Jason Kipnis at second, the Indians are in great hands. Add in Tyler Naquin and his solid rookie season, and fans have a lot to be excited about as the younger players continue to gain experience.

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