Cleveland Indians: Some honorable mentions for the Top 25 in 2017 list

We begin our look at the top 25 Cleveland Indians players from the 2017 season with a few players who just missed out on making the list.

It is a new year and the Cleveland Indians will officially start the 2018 season in 43 days when pitchers and catchers report to Goodyear.

And while we sit here and wait for the long month of January to give way to February, it is time for our list of the top 25 Indians from the 2017 season.

Before we start with No. 25, let’s take a look at five honorable mentions who didn’t do enough to be ranked among the best. Some fans may argue that any of these five should make the list, but I think that speaks to the depth seen in 2017.

Honorable Mentions

Yandy Diaz

Diaz opened the 2017 season as the starting third baseman, playing from Opening Day to May 10 before being sent down and not returning until August 22, just in time for The Streak.

He is an interesting player because one look at him and one would think he mashes doubles and home runs, but Diaz finished the year with eight doubles and no home runs in 156 at-bats. His launch angle is a popular topic of discussion among fans, and a swing change could pay dividends in 2018.

Related Post: A look back at the top 25 players from the 2016 season

Some experience in general should also help Diaz if he plans to compete for a starting spot in 2018, although I’m not sure where he fits in if Jason Kipnis starts at second base and Jose Ramirez slots in at third.

Joe Smith

Smith misses out on the list due to limited action with the team in 2017. The former Indian returned to the team in August after the trade deadline, making 21 appearances in the regular season and four in the postseason.

He allowed seven earned runs in 18.1 innings of regular season work with the Indians and had some clutch outings during the magical month of September. He didn’t do anything specific to miss the list other than not playing enough with the team.

Boone Logan

Logan was a disappointment in 2017, but that was because of an injury that sidelined him for the season after making just 38 appearances.

The lefty specialist came in with a bit of hype, but his absence for much of the second half diminishes what perhaps could have been. The Indians declined his 2018 option, so Logan’s tenure in Cleveland is rather forgettable.

One positive from his short season was that Tyler Olson was able to have a breakout year in what was supposed to be Logan’s role.

Abraham Almonte

Almonte appeared in only 69 games in 2017, slashing .233/.314/.366. He didn’t do anything special but did provide some depth in the outfield when the injuries came rolling in throughout the year. He himself was injured for part of the season, limiting his potential impact for the team.

Almonte is back in 2018 on a small deal that is team-friendly in nature. It makes his return a potential low-risk, high-reward move for a team looking for that next breakout player.

I’m not sure Almonte has that in him or will be given the opportunity, but injuries always happen and he may get his shot. Then again, if he heats up at the plate then Terry Francona will have no choice but to play him.

Danny Salazar

It is frustrating to me that I am not including Salazar among the top 25 players in 2017, but he simply did not do enough to take a spot from another player.

Salazar made 19 starts in 2017, finishing with 23 total appearances. He had 145 strikeouts in only 103 innings of work, but he simply didn’t make enough of an impact to consider it a memorable season.

He is a frustrating player to watch because he has so much potential, but arm injuries seem to come up every year. He was out from June 3 to July 22, and was then dominant upon his return. Then came a start on August 20 when he left with another injury.

Next: A mistake to gamble on Yonder Alonso’s swing change?

Salazar has the talent to be great, and Indians fans are hoping he can return to his All-Star ways in 2018.