Cleveland Guardians: 7 players who will be part of the next core

Cleveland Guardians: 7 players who will become the next core in Cleveland

The final stretch of 2021 is upon us, and it’s been an absolute rollercoaster for the Cleveland Indians. Despite a small mountain of injuries and young talent being thrust into the majors way too soon the Tribe continues to float around the .500 mark, even without stalwart skipper Terry Francona in the dugout.

Cleveland has already had some extended looks at players they value as part of their future for 2022 and beyond, and September brings the team an additional two roster spots to fill for the remainder of the season, opening the door for more of the youth movement.

The Indians have a deep stockpile of middle infielders reaching the high minors, highlighted by players like third baseman Nolan Jones and shortstop Gabriel Arias. Not every one of these players can make the big league roster, let alone cement themselves as a future part of Cleveland’s core, but it seems highly unlikely there won’t be a future star among them.

The Tribe is also incredibly deep in pitching prospects, but unlike the plethora of infielders climbing the ranks of the farm, a good chunk of the pitching future is in Double-A or lower in 2021.

Trade deadline action in 2021 reinforced the idea that the front office had obvious eyes on the future, unloading the contracts of Cesar Hernandez and Eddie Rosario while adding a pair of pitching prospects and outfielder Myles Straw. With the name change imminent, and all eyes on the horizon, here’s a group of players I believe could be the first new core of the Cleveland Guardians.