Fansided

MLB 2017: One X-factor for each team

By Brad Berreman

September 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) runs after he hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sport
September 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) runs after he hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sport /
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Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland Indians: OF Michael Brantley

The Indians reached the World Series last year, but they did so with essentially no contribution from Brantley. Multiple surgeries on his right shoulder led to him playing just 11 regular season games, and Brantley seems to be making slow, yet steady progress early in spring training this year. At this point he should be ready for Opening Day, but the Indians are sure to err on  the side of caution with Brantley to avoid a repeat of last year.

Brantley was Cleveland’s best player in 2014, as he hit .327/.385/.506 with 20 home runs, 97 RBI, 23 stolen bases, 94 runs scored and 45 doubles. His follow-up in 2015 was also quite good, with a .310/.379/.480 slash-line, 15 home runs, 84 RBI, 15 steals and another 45 doubles, but shoulder surgery in November of that year has derailed his career since.

This is the last fully guaranteed year of Brantley’s contract, with an $11 million club option ($1 million buyout) for 2018. So it’s a critical year for him, and the Indians lost a fallback option in Rajai Davis this offseason. If Brantley can stay healthy and give the Indians some stability and production in left field again, all sides will be happy.

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