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Cleveland Indians: 3 forgotten players that can make an impact in 2021

By Aaron Gershon

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 05: Jake Bauers #10 of the Cleveland Indians in the dugout prior to the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field on April 05, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Indians defeated the Blue Jays 3-2. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 05: Jake Bauers #10 of the Cleveland Indians in the dugout prior to the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field on April 05, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Indians defeated the Blue Jays 3-2. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 09: Emmanuel Clase #43 of the Texas Rangers pitches in the eighth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on August 09, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 09: Emmanuel Clase #43 of the Texas Rangers pitches in the eighth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on August 09, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

RHP, Emmanuel Clase

Unlike Bauers, Emmanuel Clase‘s own actions cost him a chance to contribute for the Indians in 2020.

Clase was suspended for 80 games in May after testing positive for using Boldenone, which is a banned PED. While the 2020 season was just 60 games, Clase will be eligible to return at the start of the 2021 season and figures to be a key member of the Indians bullpen for several years to come.

The right-hander was acquired by the Indians from the Texas Rangers along with Delino DeShields Jr. in exchange for two-time Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber.

Clase made his MLB debut with Texas in 2019 and was dominant as he posted a 2.31 ERA in 23 1/3 innings of work and averaged the highest velocity of any pitcher in baseball with his cutter at 99.2 MPH.

Despite his high upside, many Indians fans turned their attention to homegrown bullpen arm James Karinchak who developed into a formidable late-inning arm and Brad Hand, who was the only closer in baseball not to blow a save during the 2020 regular season.

Now, Clase will have a chance to reintroduce himself to the fan base and prove he can be a major contributor in the Cleveland bullpen for years to come and make dealing a fan favorite in Kluber worth it.

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