Predicting Cleveland Indians' 2016 Record Going Into Spring Training

The Cleveland Indians had an uneventful 2015. They finished right at 81 wins with no real chance at the playoffs. Perhaps their greatest victory was getting out from under the contracts of Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher.

Freed from the overbearing contracts, the Indians did what any team in their situation would do — they sold off a couple of players and signed a handful to one-year contracts. The Indians did a smart thing by not selling off any of their young arms. If the offense can improve over the next couple of years, the Indians will be a force to be reckoned with in the American League. So far signing big names hasn’t helped the offense at all.

Right now the Indians’ opening day outfield, left to right, is Joey Butler, Rajai Davis, and Lonnie Chisenhall. That’s right — an outfielder claimed off waivers, an outfielder signed to a one-year contract and the failed third base prospect is the starting outfield right now. It’s not as bad as it looks. All-Star Michael Brantley should be back from injury by May 1. From the talent perspective Abraham Almonte will be back at midseason. Add those two and one of the non-roster invitees from the list of Robbie Grossman, Shane Robinson, and Will Venable and this could be a decent outfield. The problem is that it may be the middle of the season before it gets above average.

The good news is that with the offseason signings of Juan Uribe and Mike Napoli, the infield should be all set. Francisco Lindor looks like a true superstar. Jason Kipnis, meanwhile, should be back for another All-Star caliber season.

The Indians didn’t do much this offseason after an 81-win season in 2015. Not doing much will result in not much of a change. The Indians will lose two games due to the Brantley injury and end up 79-83.