At this point in the season, the Cleveland Indians might be the most underrated team in baseball. That’s because they’re still under .500, but they have a lot of talent on their roster. If they’re going to make a run at the playoffs, they’re going to need players to step up. These five players could step up, especially since their first-half performances warrant consideration for All-Star selection.
5. RHP Corey Kluber
Getty Images3-8, 3.54 ERA, 111 strikeouts
Kluber's ERA mark is a bit misleading since he started off the season really slowly. He's been one of the best pitchers in the American League over the last several weeks. The large number of batters he's striking out every time out there has been astonishing, and the reigning AL Cy Young winner deserves a spot in the All-Star Game.
3-8, 3.54 ERA, 111 strikeouts
Kluber's ERA mark is a bit misleading since he started off the season really slowly. He's been one of the best pitchers in the American League over the last several weeks. The large number of batters he's striking out every time out there has been astonishing, and the reigning AL Cy Young winner deserves a spot in the All-Star Game.
4. DH David Murphy
Getty Images
.333 average, 3 HRs, 17 RBIs
Murphy has traditionally been a role player in the past, but he's been one of the best hitters on the Indians this season. If for no other reason, his best season deserves an All-Star appearance since there's no telling if he will ever put together a season like this again.
.333 average, 3 HRs, 17 RBIs
Murphy has traditionally been a role player in the past, but he's been one of the best hitters on the Indians this season. If for no other reason, his best season deserves an All-Star appearance since there's no telling if he will ever put together a season like this again.
3. RHP Trevor Bauer
Getty Images5-3, 3.53 ERA, 75 strikeouts
Since he came out of UCLA as a phenom, Trevor Bauer has been looked at as a wonder child. Until this season, though, he didn't live up to the hype. This season he has really become a professional and has been the most consistent pitcher on Cleveland's staff. The youngster should be considered for a spot on the All-Star team.
5-3, 3.53 ERA, 75 strikeouts
Since he came out of UCLA as a phenom, Trevor Bauer has been looked at as a wonder child. Until this season, though, he didn't live up to the hype. This season he has really become a professional and has been the most consistent pitcher on Cleveland's staff. The youngster should be considered for a spot on the All-Star team.
2. OF Michael Brantley
Getty Images.301 average, 4 HRs, 33 RBIs, 19 doubles
Brantley isn't quite duplicating the breakout season he had a year ago, but he's still driving in a lot of runs and is driving the ball hard most times up. He's been a force in the middle of the Indians' order and will have to continue to be one if Cleveland hopes to climb back into the playoff race.
.301 average, 4 HRs, 33 RBIs, 19 doubles
Brantley isn't quite duplicating the breakout season he had a year ago, but he's still driving in a lot of runs and is driving the ball hard most times up. He's been a force in the middle of the Indians' order and will have to continue to be one if Cleveland hopes to climb back into the playoff race.
1. 2B Jason Kipnis
Getty Images.335 average, 5 HRs, 28 RBIs, 19 doubles
Kipnis is having one of his best years as a major leaguer and really deserves consideration for the All-Star Game. While his power numbers aren't up there with some other players in the American League, he is putting the bat on the ball about as consistently as anyone and deserves to be recognized for his stellar first half.
.335 average, 5 HRs, 28 RBIs, 19 doubles
Kipnis is having one of his best years as a major leaguer and really deserves consideration for the All-Star Game. While his power numbers aren't up there with some other players in the American League, he is putting the bat on the ball about as consistently as anyone and deserves to be recognized for his stellar first half.
