Cleveland Indians: What’s the roster look like if the season started today?

Outfielders

Franmil Reyes, Josh Naylor, Oscar Mercado, Jordan Luplow, Bradley Zimmer, Daniel Johnson

The only certainty in the outfield is Franmil Reyes, who really isn’t even an outfielder as the team’s main designated hitter. Josh Naylor started improving last year as well towards the end of the season, but both center and right are up for grabs at this point.

For that reason, we have an extra outfielder listed than what will most likely be carried through the season. There are a few infielders who can play the outfield, but not the other way around making carrying more infielders seem like the logical option. However, early in the season the schedule is spread out enough that depth isn’t as important as finding the right players for the long haul.

The other four listed have all shown flashes or potential. With the outfield being the biggest question mark on the entire roster, there is reason to believe that these four will be give ample opportunities to impress.

If I had to bet on who catches on, I’d say Oscar Mercado and Daniel Johnson end up as the starters with Jordan Luplow as the backup. This would leave Bradley Zimmer as the odd man out and most likely to get traded, perhaps even in a deal with Lindor.