Cleveland Indians: 5 most important players in 2017

The Cleveland Indians enter the season as World Series favorites, but there are several players who stand out as the most important to the team’s success.

The Cleveland Indians surprised the city in 2016 with an unforgettable postseason run. Diehard fans may say they saw it coming, but the countless ups and downs throughout the season seemed to spell doom for the young team.

Yet when injuries occurred, the team seemed to grow stronger. Terry Francona continued to field a starting lineup capable of continuing the team’s winning ways, while he was helped by some great work done by the front office. It’s a bit easier to close out a game when Andrew Miller is waiting in the bullpen.

Nearly every player on the roster stepped up, but there was still that dominant core holding it all together while other pieces came and went. From the dominance of Corey Kluber, to the dazzling defense of Francisco Lindor, the Indians were in great hands a year ago.

But baseball is the one sport where things can drastically change from year to year, so it is up to this core to keep the team in line whenever setbacks arise during the season. An early injury to Jason Kipnis is a perfect example of something the team must overcome, and there are both new and old faces ready to keep fans calm by simply winning baseball games.

Let’s now take a look at five players who are the most important to the Indians’ overall success during the upcoming season.