In 2016, the Cleveland Indians made the playoffs with a record of 94-67. Through triumph and injuries, the Indians managed to secure a 3-1 lead against the Cubs. Unfortunately, in the same way that the Warriors fell to the Cavs, the Cubs came back to win it all in extra innings. While the loss was devastating to both the team and to fans, the Indians took it upon themselves to keep getting better.

One person who took the loss to heart was Jason Kipnis, Cleveland’s second baseman. Kipnis grew up near Wrigley Field and was a huge Cubs fan growing up. During the series, Jason Kipnis said, “I try not to imagine ending it here, but the thought’s creeping into my mind. We’re close. It’s probably gonna be the toughest win of the year.” When the Indians eventually lost, Kipnis claimed that he hid from the world in his townhouse, not coming out unless it was absolutely necessary. He claims that he is more than ready to return to the World Series, and reclaim the title that slipped through their fingers.

After a year of sitting on the bench, Michael Brantley is also looking to make an impact for the team. Brantley only played 11 games last season before getting injured with a right shoulder injury. Brantley in 2015 had a batting average of .310, which makes him one of the best batters in the league. But will the bench time affect his game? Will the pressure get to his head? The Indians are hoping that is not the case and that his return will help them be successful in the 2017 season.

Edwin Encarnacion, is also a huge new addition to the team. The former Toronto Blue Jay has recently been traded to the Indians and is looking to start the season strong. Some fans were not sure about spending 60 million dollars on Encarnacion, but he has already started the season off great. He has hit 1 home run and is 2 for 5 on hitting,  which is a .400 batting average. In 2012, when he played on the Blue Jays, he averaged .280 on batting, which is a strong percentage.

On top of our new lineup, the Indian’s pitchers are gonna be trying to keep batters off base as much as possible. Corey Kluber, a Cy Young award winner, has 6 strikeouts in 1 start on the season. Corey Kluber in 2016 achieved 227 strikeouts on the season and had 18 wins and 9 losses for the 2016 season. Also a few other pitchers looking for a world series title are Trevor Bauer, with 168 strikeouts and a record of 25-12 and Josh Tomlin with a record of 31-18 and 118 strikeouts on the season.

Currently, the Cleveland Indians are on track to have a better season than last year. With the current line up they have, they should have what it takes to return to the World Series.