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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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CINCINNATI, OH – AUGUST 3: Daniel Johnson #23 of the Cleveland Indians bats against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on August 3, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – AUGUST 3: Daniel Johnson #23 of the Cleveland Indians bats against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on August 3, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

OF, Daniel Johnson 

The Cleveland Indians Achilles heel in 2020 was the poor production from their outfield. One player who was given a brief chance to solve that problem was 25-year old Daniel Johnson.

Cleveland traded for Johnson in 2018 in a deal that sent longtime catcher Yan Gomes to the Washington Nationals.

Johnson was drafted in the fifth round of the 2016 MLB Draft by Washington and participated in the 2019 after batting .290 with 17 home runs and 77 RBI’s in the minors that season.

In 2020, Johnson made his MLB debut with Cleveland as he was given an opportunity to prove himself but was unable to get the job done as he slashed just .083/.154/.083 with just one hit in 12 at-bats over the course of five games.

If the Indians do choose to rebuild, Johnson may get another chance in the majors. He displayed great power over the course of his Minor League Career and competed among the league’s top prospects in a futures game.

He has plenty of upside, but at age 25, the Indians need to figure out whether or not he will be a difference-maker going forward, making it important to get him playing time in 2021 regardless of which route the front office takes this offseason.

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