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Cleveland Indians: Updated Projected Opening Day Lineup

By Aaron Gershon

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JULY 26: Third baseman Yu Chang #2 of the Cleveland Indians in his ready stance during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field on July 26, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The 2020 season had been postponed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JULY 26: Third baseman Yu Chang #2 of the Cleveland Indians in his ready stance during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field on July 26, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The 2020 season had been postponed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 01: Amed Rosario #1 of the New York Mets bats during the game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on August 01, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 01: Amed Rosario #1 of the New York Mets bats during the game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on August 01, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

1. Shortstop, Amed Rosario

2020 Stats (NYM): .252/.272/.371 4 HR, 15 RBI’s 

At a glance, Amed Rosario‘s numbers don’t look to be one of a leadoff hitter.

Rosario, who was acquired by Cleveland from the Mets in the Lindor deal, has struggled with plate discipline his entire career, which could be problematic in the leadoff spot, but a deeper dig suggests the Indians will still bat him atop the order.

The main reason for this is the Indians truly don’t have a reliable leadoff hitter on the roster and have hopes Rosario will be in that role for years to come; thus, they might as well place him there and let him get his feet wet.

2. Third Base, Jose Ramirez

2020 Stats: .292/386/.607 17 HR, 46 RBI’s 

For the second time in his career, Jose Ramirez finished as a top three finalist for the MVP Award last season.

With Lindor gone and Hernandez also unlikely to return, Ramirez will likely move from the three spot in the order up to the two hole.

Most teams’ across baseball hit their top hitter second unless they’re better suited for the leadoff spot given speed. Ramirez doesn’t fall under that category so second feels like a natural fit for the Indians top all-around player.

3. DH, Franmil Reyes

2020 Stats: .275/.344/.450, 9HR, 34 RBI’s

Lost in the shadows of Ramirez’ success and an overall awful year at the plate for the Indians, Franmil Reyes had a solid year at the DH spot in 2020.

The right-handed slugger was one of the few consistent bats in the Indians lineup, earning the 25-year-old a vital role in the teams’ future plans.

Expect Reyes to protect Ramirez in the lineup as, on paper, he is the Indians’ second-best hitter and perhaps their top power threat.

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