Cleveland Indians: 5 players whose futures are doomed with Cleveland

Daniel Johnson, OF, Cleveland Indians

Cleveland’s outfield is becoming overcrowded and while Daniel Johnson might not have been provided a fair look, he might end up as the odd man out. He’s only 26-years old and has multiple years of team control remaining, but the production just hasn’t been enough for him to make a case to stick around.

The outfield in Cleveland is starting to come a bit into focus. Myles Straw is looking impressive in center field while Harold Ramirez seems like a strong option for a corner outfield spot. Josh Naylor had started coming into his own before his injury and Bradley Zimmer has shown flashes that could keep him around for another season or two if he can sustain it. There’s plenty of other options to consider as well that are either already in Cleveland or rising in the ranks.

Normally a team won’t carry more than four, maybe five, outfielders. With the thought that, if healthy, those four are the top contenders for playing time then Johnson might be out of options with this club. It doesn’t help that Mercado has seemed like the preferred depth play.

Johnson has been improving a bit, so his trade value might be up this offseason. There’s a chance that Cleveland listens to offers on him based purely on the mass amount of outfielders the team has to sort through.