MLB Power Rankings: Top 25 players in the game today
8. Francisco Lindor
A calf injury forced Cleveland Indians All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor to start the season on the injured list, but he has recovered and made his season debut on April 20. It’s great news for the Indians that their best player is back in action because their offense has been horrendous to start 2019. Lindor will provide a huge shot in the arm for a team that expects to coast to its fourth AL Central title in a row.
Through the first four seasons of his career, Lindor has gotten better every year. The 25-year-old was well known for his glovework when he made his MLB debut in 2015, but has blown every reasonable expectation out of the water when it comes to his work with the bat (it goes without saying that the glove has more than lived up to the hype). Lindor has hit .288/.350/.487 with 98 home runs, 310 RBI and 78 stolen bases in his first four MLB seasons. He has two straight 30-homer seasons and also stole a career-high 25 bases last year to go along with 38 home runs.
Lindor has also been a star in his three playoff appearances, including one trip to the World Series. He has played 23 career postseason games and has hit .276/.337/.483 with three doubles, five home runs and 12 RBI. As a 22-year-old, he hit .368/.400/.579 to lead the Indians over the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALCS.
When they debuted, Lindor and Carlos Correa battled for the Rookie of the Year title, with Correa ultimately winning the award. Three full seasons removed, and Lindor now looks like the bigger star. The start of this season notwithstanding, he has been more durable, a better fielder and brings more speed to the table.