Indians should go all-in for next two seasons

The Cleveland Indians have Francisco Lindor for two more seasons and should go all-in while they still have their best player in franchise history.

This is one of the most unlikely things that could happen. It also doesn’t mean it shouldn’t. The Cleveland Indians should spare no expense while they still have their chance to end the longest active World Series drought in MLB. Their window is 100% aligned to having Francisco Lindor under contract. With the report being that they are unlikely to move Lindor this offseason, it should alter their approach.

The Indians have players they can move. Bobby Bradley, Greg Allen, etc. could be parts of packages that could bring in talent for the short-term. It is about maximizing an opportunity that they will not have again for a long time. A trade of Francisco Lindor would all but close the window. Right now that window is not closed. Approach other teams that are looking to shed payroll with guys under contract for one or two years. It is not about acquiring in order to extend those players. It is all about winning now. Take on the expense before the inevitable happens. The departure of Francisco Lindor.

Nobody expects the Indians to be able to re-sign Lindor. Lindor is going to get some record-breaking deal that is far out of the spending range of the Cleveland Indians. Signing Lindor to this type of deal would mean that the rest of the roster would suffer. Opting to spend money on other positions is the only way they can stay competitive. The front office and ownership will look to field a competitive team rather than pay just one player. Like it or not, that is the reality of being a small market team.

Will the Cleveland Indians destroy their future in order to compete over the next two seasons? Probably not. That doesn’t mean it shouldn’t happen. Burn it all down. Deplete the farm system. Do whatever they can to capture the elusive World Series title they so desperately seek. The Tribe were so close to ending their title drought just three years ago. If they do not do anything drastic in order to end it before 2021, expect that drought to continue for a much longer period of time.