Cleveland Indians: Three players with something to prove in 2021

Bobby Bradley

It feels like it was just a few years ago that we were talking about who would replace Carlos Santana at first base. It feels like that because it’s true. The last time around it seemed like Bobby Bradley was the future of the position, but just wasn’t ready. Fast forward to now and Bradley has barely been given a chance and is being pushed aside by some.

During the 2019 season fans were clamoring for Bradley to be given a chance after blasting 33 home runs for Triple-A Columbus over the course of 107 games. The Indians gave Bradley a shot, but it was only for 15 games in which he struggled to find a rhythm.

In those 15 games, Bradley played first in just five and was the designated hitter in another eight, totaling 13 games started. In the field he committed two errors for a .951 fielding percentage while hitting just one home run at the plate.

With the rumor of the Indians trying top prospect Nolan Jones at first base, there is reason to speculate that the team doesn’t want Bradley in the field. Additionally, Franmil Reyes seems to be the designated hitter which could leave Bradley as the odd man out.

If given the opportunity again after not playing in 2020, Bradley will need to show that he can not only transfer his bat to the majors, but that there has also been improvement in the field.