Cleveland Indians
The Indians have the stars, they have the youth, and they usually look like they could win the AL Central, but it just hasn't happened since 2007. One thing or another goes wrong, whether it's the pieces they've signed (like Michael Bourn) or the ones they've grown to rely on (Yan Gomes), and it keeps them from their full potential. Will it all come together in 2016, or is this going to be another year where Cleveland has almost all the pieces?
Key Addition
Cleveland focused on plugging holes with inexpensive, but still useful, players. Mike Napoli has the best chance of any of them to make an impact, as, after a slow start with the Red Sox in 2015, he hit a lot like Mike Napoli the rest of the way. He's now 34 and could maybe use a little platooning, but his glove is underrated and he can still draw a walk.
All additions: Mike Napoli, Juan Uribe, Rajai Davis, Tommy Hunter, Marlon Byrd
Key Departure
The Indians didn't lose a major contributor, but Ryan Raburn did hit .301/.393/.543 in his 82 games and 201 plate appearances. The Indians can make up for that loss easily if they can avoid having four different holes in their lineup in 2016 -- days where someone besides Raburn was DH were not good ones, but Carlos Santana's switch to that spot should help matters.
All departures: Ryan Raburn, Chris Johnson, Mike Aviles, Gavin Floyd, Ryan Webb
Best Case
Corey Kluber leads one of the game's best rotations -- one that includes a productive Trevor Bauer -- and the attempt to re-balance the Indians lineup pays off as they topple the rest of the AL Central to win their first title in nearly a decade. The Cubs get all the attention, but Cleveland hasn't won the World Series since 1948 -- you know, if you're looking for the World Series matchup with the greatest chance to bring both joy and broken hearts in 2016.
Worst Case
Michael Brantley's injury delays his return and lingers, and the holes in the lineup can't be filled in, leading to another season where Cleveland is wasting this incredible rotation they've built while the rest of the AL Central thrives.
Projected Team
Lineup: Jason Kipnis, Francisco Lindor, Michael Brantley, Carlos Santana, Mike Napoli, Yan Gomes, Lonnie Chisenhall, Juan Uribe, Rajai Davis
Rotation: Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Danny Salazar, Cody Anderson, Josh Tomlin