An Early Look (and Guess) on What the Indians Do with Their 2019 Free Agents

8. Michael Brantley

Last season Indians fans went crazy when the team brought Brantley back on a team option, paying the 31-year-old $11.5 million.

Now they wish they had him for another year, as he stepped up playing 143 games (the most since 2014), hitting .309 with 17 homers and 76 runs batted in.

Terry Francona admitted there were tears in the exit interview with Brantley, which one could take as meaning he’s history and is ready to cash in with another team.

Sadly, those feelings are probably right.

Brantley is likely to earn at least $12-15 million per year on the open market, and big market teams are able to throw around 3-4 year deals worth $48-$60 million a LOT more than the Indians are.

It’s sad to see Brantley go, as not only will his play on the field and plate be missed, but his leadership in the clubhouse will as well.

Early Guess – Indians fans will still see Brantley, sadly it will be with another American League team as he inks a 3-4 year deal that is going to pay him quite a bit of money, between $45-$60 million, well out of the Indians range.

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