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Projecting the Cleveland Indians 2025 Opening Day Infield

By Aaron Gershon

Nolan Jones #95 of the Cleveland Indians (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images)
Nolan Jones #95 of the Cleveland Indians (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 19: Triston McKenzie #26 of the Cleveland Indians pitches during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on September 19, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Indians 5-2. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 19: Triston McKenzie #26 of the Cleveland Indians pitches during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on September 19, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Indians 5-2. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

Where you expecting to see Shane Bieber here? Let us explain why it may not be him on the bump.

Starting Pitcher: Triston McKenzie

While Shane Bieber is likely someone, Indians fans hope never pitches in another uniform, keeping him long-term may not be plausible. He will soon be looking for Gerrit Cole (9-year, $324 million) money and will be a free agent at the end of the 2024 season, putting his long-term with Cleveland in doubt.

Luckily, Triston McKenzie also appears on his way to becoming a front-line starter as he had a masterful rookie season for the Tribe in 2020. The right-hander pitched in eight games (six starts), posting a 3.24 ERA and racking up 42 strikeouts in 33.1 innings of work.

The Indians are known for their ability to groom starting pitchers and McKenzie is one that they appear to have developed into a future ace.

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