Cleveland Indians: Three players with something to prove in 2021

Yu Chang

One of the more difficult holes to fill for the Cleveland Indians will be second base where Cesar Hernandez was outstanding this past season. However, the player that will get the chance has been with organization for a while and has been waiting for the opportunity to start.

Having played just 38 games at the major league level, Yu Chang is expected to be given the role of second base in the upcoming 2021 season. Of the 38 played, Chang has started 24 games with majority being at third. Over his time in Cleveland he’s played in 28 games at third base, 12 at shortstop and two at second.

Should Lindor be traded, Chang could also be the one to play short. Regardless, it can assumed that he will have a big opportunity in 2021 that could come at multiple positions and see him starting almost every day.

For Chang this will be his best opportunity yet. He came up as a third basemen and was blocked by Jose Ramirez. Now, he will finally get his chance in the starting lineup.

Over his career, Chang has committed just one error on 63 chances in the field, coming at second base. As for at the plate he’s slashed just .179/.289/.262 which will need some improvement. In a larger sample size it will be interesting to see if those numbers improve and if the defense can stay at such a high level.