Cleveland Indians: 5 players who could regress in 2017

Aug 3, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians center fielder Tyler Naquin (30) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the fifth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 3, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians center fielder Tyler Naquin (30) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the fifth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
6 of 6
Mar 25, 2017; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians first baseman Carlos Santana (41) covers the bag against the Chicago White Sox during the second inning at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2017; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians first baseman Carlos Santana (41) covers the bag against the Chicago White Sox during the second inning at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

5. Carlos Santana

Besides those who follow the Indians, Carlos Santana’s 2016 went unnoticed for the most part. It may have been overshadowed by Mike Napoli, or the fact that the Indians were one win away from a World Series title.

Nonetheless, it was camouflaged into the success of other individuals, and the team as a whole.

Santana had career bests in SIX different categories: games played, at-bats, hits, runs, home runs, and RBI.

With numbers like that, a decline in Santana’s output is imminent. However, Santana may regress more than people realize.

During the offseason, the Indians landed free agent Edwin Encarnacion. Although Encarnacion essentially replaces Mike Napoli, Encarnacion is certain to take from Santana’s numbers, such as RBI.

Along with Encarnacion, the Indians are also returning Michael Brantley, another member of the Tribe who is sure to take away RBI chances away from Santana.

Next: Previewing the starting rotation

Besides the talent that the Indians lineup has added, Santana was yet another Indian who had a career year. His career highs are likely not to return. He may stay consistent in some offensive categories, but to say that he can repeat his 2016 campaign would be naive.

Schedule