Projecting the Perfect 2020 Opening Day Lineup for the Cleveland Indians

The Cleveland Indians did not make any major upgrades to the roster this offseason, but still added a few players who are in the running to make the Opening Day lineup. The main question for manager Terry Francona is figuring out where Francisco Lindor will slot in after spending time in the leadoff role the past few seasons.

The Tribe have show us some questionable Opening Day lineups in the recent past, but expec tthe 2020 edition to be a stable one ready to stand up to the rest of the AL Central.

1: Francisco Lindor, SS

Francona mentioned this offseason that Lindor may move out of the leadoff spot. However, he needs to start the season atop the lineup to give the team some continuity. He can move down to second or third if and when another leadoff option emerges, but there's no need to force it.

2: Oscar Mercado, CF

Mercado appeared in 115 games last year and slashed .269/.318/.443, hitting 25 doubles and 15 home runs. His on-base percentage was fifth on the team in 2019, so we're slotting him in second with an eye toward the big bats behind him.

3: Jose Ramirez, 3B

Ramirez's numbers dipped in 2019 after finishing third in AL MVP voting in both 2017 and 2018. He still finished with 23 home runs, 83 RBI, and an .806 OPS and had a WAR of 3.4 even in a down year by his standards. That is good enough to keep him near the top of the lineup to drive in Lindor as much as possible.

4: Carlos Santana, 1B

Santana was the team's MVP in 2019. He played in 158 games, finishing with 34 home runs and 93 RBI. All those marks led the team, as did his .397 on-base percentage and .911 OPS. He is the obvious choice in the cleanup spot.

5: Franmil Reyes, DH

Reyes showed off his power by hitting 10 doubles and 10 home runs in 51 games with the Indians after coming over from the San Diego Padres. His spot in the lineup should be secure. The only thing that may change is if he gets some time in the outfield in 2020.

6: Cesar Hernandez, 2B

The new Indians second baseman had 171 hits in 161 games last season. He hit .279 and is a change of pace from the power bats in the heart of the lineup.

7: Roberto Perez, C

Perez provides some pop from the catcher spot. He had 24 home runs and 63 RBI in 2019, though his problem is striking out, which he did 127 times in only 119 games last year.

8: Domingo Santana, RF

Santana joins the Indians after one season in Seattle. He also had a strikeout problem, finishing the year with 164. He will be in a fight with Jordan Luplow to hold down a starting role. His ability to hit 20 home runs and 20 doubles gives him the early advantage.

9: Delino DeShields, LF

DeShields is another new addition, arriving courtesy of the Corey Kluber trade with the Rangers. He is underrated in the ninth spot because of his ability to get aboard and swipe bases. He had an OBP of .325 last year with 24 stolen bases.