Cleveland Indians: 4 candidates for Cleveland’s 2021 MVP

4 candidates for Cleveland Indians 2021 Most Valuable Player

The 2021 season has been a bit underwhelming for the Cleveland Indians compared to past seasons. For the first time since 2015, the Tribe are in true danger of finishing below .500. Many of the struggles for the team can be attributed to extended injury list stays for some of the team’s best players. Despite those barriers, the team has still managed to remain competitive to this point in the season.

To overcome the difficulties of the season, players have needed to step up. Whether it be embracing an already defined role, carving one out on their own or serving multiple based on the team’s needs at that point, these four players have been influential in the team’s path this year. As the season nears a close, these four players are the favorites to be the MVP of the Cleveland Indians.

Jose Ramirez, 3B, Cleveland Indians

While this season has been a down year for Cleveland All-Star Jose Ramirez, he’s still been one of the better players in the Tribe’s lineup. After being second in the AL MVP voting last year, Ramirez struggled early in the season. Luckily, he’s improved a bit lately and has still managed to be one of the team’s best players in 2021.

On the year, Ramirez is slashing .260/.349/.549 with 57 walks, 28 doubles, 32 home runs, 86 RBI, 90 runs scored and 20 stolen bases, all of which lead Cleveland’s offense. That includes an improved August that saw Ramirez slash .273/.350/.627 with eight doubles and nine home runs.

Ramirez has also been strong with runners on base, slashing .307/.386/.642 with 71 RBI thanks to 16 doubles and 17 home runs.

Statistically, it’s hard to argue against Ramirez as the offensive MVP at the very least. While the season hasn’t been his best, he’s still been arguably Cleveland’s best player at the plate this year.

Emmanuel Clase, CP, Cleveland Indians

This is another one that could attributed to some recency bias with Emmanuel Clase being named the Reliever of the Month for August, but even before August Clase was a mainstay in the bullpen. What started out as a strong committee of Clase, James Karinchak and Bryan Shaw in the late innings as been whittled down to just Clase, making his value to the club skyrocket.

Clase’s August was undoubtedly impressive. He tallied six saves over 12.2 innings tossed, but what was the best part of his month was a perfect ERA. Clase didn’t allow a run all month for an ERA of 0.00. On top of that, he walked just one batter and allowed only four hits for a WHIP of 0.395 while striking out 15.

After a tough month of July, Clase’s strong August was a good sign. However, his months prior to July were about as good. For the year as a whole, Clase has an ERA of 1.54 over 58.1 innings with 20 saves and 63 strikeouts. He’s blown just five saves this year with the last being in July. He had three straight blown saves in a row then, but has rebounded well.

Having a lockdown closer is a huge advantage for any team. It took Clase a bit to settle in to the role, but at just 23-years old he’s setting the stage for dominance throughout his career. What he’s provided this team has been incredibly valuable, but does it make him the club’s most valuable player when they have struggled to get to save situations at times?

Cal Quantrill, SP, Cleveland Indians

When talking about value to a team there might not be a player on Cleveland’s roster that has offered more value to the organization this season than Cal Quantrill. While his stats don’t scream MVP, Quantrill has played multiple roles for the club this season and has performed well in almost every scenario.

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Quantrill began the season as Cleveland’s long reliever and played the role well. As a reliever he posted an ERA of 1.88 over 28.2 innings. When the injuries hit the team, Quantrill was needed in the rotation and while it took a few starts to get his feet under him in the rotation, he’s now set himself up to be part of the 2022 rotation with a strong performance.

Since the beginning of July, Quantrill has made 12 starts and has maintained an ERA of 2.49. He’s managed to cut down on his walks with just 23 over 72.1 innings while striking out 62 batters.

Given the way Cleveland’s season has gone, Quantrill could make a case for the team’s MVP. In a season that has witnessed a lot of road bumps, Quantrill has helped the team weather the storm. Statistically it might not seem like he should be the MVP, but in terms of value to the team he’s been almost priceless.