10 Year Indians Roster Projections

With the amateur draft every year, excitement brews for the teams of the future, but rarely do people actually think about how far away that future really is. Below is a chart showing the projected Indians 25 man roster for the next ten seasons. The chart assumes that all players will fulfill their entire contract and stay throughout all their arbitration years with the Indians. Depending on roster time, players have either three or four pre-arbitration years, then generally have three years of arbitration.

The chart assumes no long term contracts or trades, although some of the players listed will be worthy of one or the other. These are unpredictable, so they are not included. The biggest difference between the projections and what will actually happen is most likely going to be free agent signings, which are also unpredictable.

In general, minor league players were chosen by their projected Major League ability, which is truly a complete unknown until they actually make it to the Indians (if they make it). Most movement follows simple progression, such as Pestano taking over Perez once his contract runs out. There are also movements made that have to do with a decline in ability, such as the move of Santana to first and Swisher to DH.

Some things to look forward to in the future are the expected break ins of Lindor and Aguilar in 2015-16 and Naquin in 2017. Next year's team should look very similar to this year's, but the bullpen may be even better with the addition of Lee and Guilmet, while the rotation will likely be at least slightly worse unless some more signings are made. Overall through the next decade, obvious strengths are at the middle infield positions, first base and catcher, while there are major deficiencies in the outfield and among starting pitchers. This projections will constantly change as the team makes moves, so we will continue to update the chart as things change.