Cleveland Indians: 5 players that are current cornerstones for Cleveland

Franmil Reyes, DH, Cleveland Indians

When talking about players that will be cheap for their production on the offensive side of the game, Cleveland might not have a better bargain moving forward than Franmil Reyes. Reyes will be just 26-years old at the beginning of the season and will be in the arbitration process through the 2024 season. Essentially, he’s the offensive equivalent to Shane Bieber, at least contractually.

Reyes has had his own share of injuries and up-and-downs this year, but the overall picture is still very bright for him. The key to what he provides is obviously power. Like Ramirez, he’s nearing a career-high for home runs in a single season, needing nine more, and he’s just 26.

Cleveland has had power hitters fill the designated hitter role over the last decade, that hasn’t lacked, but they’ve been older. Travis Hafner was 28 the first time he hit over 30 home runs in a season. Jason Giambi was 42 during his 31-home run season in 2013. Mike Napoli was 34 for the World Series run in 2016. There just hasn’t been a youthful power hitter in the DH spot in a while.

Reyes is changing that. Not only has he exhibited power early in his career, but he’s showing that it’s both sustainable and improving. His boost in the lineup is something that should stay for a very long time in Cleveland.