​Even though the Cleveland Indians are in line to be clear favorites once again to win the AL Central next season, they might be making some moves that find them taking a step back, as they are reportedly​ willing to listen to offers for some of their star veteran players.


That would include top-line operators like Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco and Edwin Encarnacion.

​​Infield studs Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez are not reportedly on the trade block, but the fact they are even considering stripping things down is cowardice. Sure, the Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros are the top dogs in the American League and the Yankees are similarly loaded, but the Tribe are still one of the best clubs in baseball top to bottom.


They almost won the World Series just two years ago. Remember? To dismantle that core would be a massive blunder.

The Indians are a small market team and will always have to be more careful with their finances than baseball's blue bloods. But Kluber has a couple team options after next season and Carrasco and Encarnacion are under contract for two more years; getting younger is sometimes the right call, but let's not get cute and ruin a good thing.


The window to win is here right now, and it's not going to get wider. Instead of looking at being competitive five or more years from today, take advantage of this division and try to grab that first World Series title since 1948.