Cleveland Indians: Five positives Indians fans should focus on for 2021

Positive #4: Jose Ramirez

After a slow start to the 2020 season, Jose Ramirez found his form and elevated his play to MVP-level. While Lindor is normally regarded as the best player on the team, it was Ramirez that made the difference more times than not this past season.

Luckily for the Cleveland Indians, they locked up Ramirez before he blossomed into the player we see today. He will still earn one of the more expensive contracts on the team in 2021, but it will be far below what his value will be.

In 2021, Ramirez is set to make $9.4 million before his contract jumps to a club option of $12 million in 2022 and another option for $14 million in 2023. These numbers seem high, but when you consider what he would get on the free agent market now, it seems like a bargain for his play.

Ramirez has also turned into a leader for the team in the dugout. Normally, he’s the biggest cheerleader when he isn’t in the field. That energy, chemistry and leadership will play a big role in how the season goes for the Cleveland Indians in 2021. The team will need him to continue to step up both on and off the field, especially if Lindor is indeed traded.