MLB 2017: One prediction for each team

Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor throws to first base against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Indians: Francisco Lindor wins a Silver Slugger

Stashed away in Cleveland, Francisco Lindor was a treasure waiting to be fully discovered by the masses in his sophomore season. He got his chance to be seen by a national audience in the World Series, and didn’t disappoint. Lindor batted .310/.355/.466 in October, and almost willed the Indians to the title.

As Lindor made his way up to the big leagues in 2015 at the age of 21, his bat was supposed to be behind his impeccable glove. That has hardly been the case, as he has slashed .306/.356/454 with 52 doubles, 27 home runs and 31 steals. Of course, the glove has sparkled for Lindor, and he won the Gold Glove in his first full season at the major-league level.

Lindor came up at the same time as Carlos Correa, with Correa being viewed as the more impressive prospect. Both have had postseason success, and their rookie numbers compared well. In their second year, however, Lindor stood out. We still haven’t seen the best of both of these young shortstops.

If Derek Jeter, Nomar Garciaparra and Alex Rodriguez defined the late 1990s and early 2000s, Lindor, Correa and Bogaerts will define the second half of the 2010s. Bigger, power-hitting shortstops were all the rage during the Steroid Era, but the league is flipping back to the more dynamic, speedy shortstops who can also hit for some power. Lindor’s power stroke is going to continue developing, and he will grab the Silver Slugger at shortstop from Bogaerts in 2017.