Fansided

Each MLB team’s biggest X-factor

By Joshua Sadlock

TEMPE, AZ - FEBRUARY 24: Shohei Ohtani
TEMPE, AZ - FEBRUARY 24: Shohei Ohtani /
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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 08: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Michael Brantley #23 of the Cleveland Indians in action against the New York Yankees in Game Three of the American League Divisional Series at Yankee Stadium on October 8, 2017 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the Indians 1-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 08: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Michael Brantley #23 of the Cleveland Indians in action against the New York Yankees in Game Three of the American League Divisional Series at Yankee Stadium on October 8, 2017 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the Indians 1-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Cleveland Indians: Michael Brantley

It has now been two full years since Cleveland Indians outfielder Michael Brantley last played a full season. At the end of the 2015 season, the 30-year-old looked like an ascending superstar, having hit .319/.382/.494 with 90 doubles, 35 home runs, 181 RBI and 38 stolen bases over a two-year span, highlighted by a third-place finish in the 2014 AL MVP vote and a Silver Slugger.

Things began going downhill for the two-time All-Star at the end of 2015. He underwent offseason shoulder surgery and was not ready for Opening Day. Brantley rushed back ahead of schedule, and was back on the disabled list by the middle of May with inflammation in his surgically-repaired shoulder. The injury would limit him to only 11 games. Brantley returned from the lost year to make the All-Star team in 2017, but misfortune struck again in the form of an ankle injury.

For the second time in three years, Brantley is coming back from offseason surgery, but he will have the freedom to take his time this year. The Indians are the odds-on favorite to win the AL Central and can wait patiently for Brantley to reach 100 percent.

At his best, Brantley is a 20-20 threat with two 45-double seasons. The Indians already have a deep lineup, but a healthy Brantley gives them the added firepower to keep up with the New York Yankees and Houston Astros.

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