Cleveland Indians: Who will play third base in 2018?

The Cleveland Indians have filled the void at first base by signing Yonder Alonso. Now they will have to decide who to play at third base in 2018.

The starting third base job was a bit of a revolving door for the Cleveland Indians in 2017.

Yandy Diaz, Giovanny Urshela, Jose Ramirez, Michael Martinez and Erik Gonzalez all played third base last season. One can assume the Indians will look to have more consistency at the position this year.

Seemingly the safest route would be to move Jason Kipnis back to second and Ramirez back to third. That is the lineup the Indians used for much of the season after Kip’s return from DL. In fact, Ramirez played the position for 88 games in 2017.

The problem with this lineup is the consistency of Kipnis’ health. Ramirez played 71 games at second base last year because Kipnis was hurt. With his health remaining a question, Ramirez may once again have to play in the middle infield.

Another factor in this lineup is the looming trade rumours involving Kipnis. While it doesn’t seem likely an offseason trade will occur, a move before the deadline is still a hanging question.

Urshela or Gonzalez

In the time that Ramirez played second base, Urshela played 36 games at third including all five of the Indians’ playoff games last year. His playoff performance was abysmal to be frank. He committed two errors and had only two hits. But plays like this show the potential he has as long as he is on the roster

As for Gonzalez, his play at third appeared to be more of a utility-based spot. He did start 18 games at second, which shows he can also be kept as a utility player as well.

Unless Urshela can drastically improve his batting, after slashing .224/.262/.288 in 2017, the two may be competing for a utility spot along with Michael Martinez in the spring.

Yandy Diaz

Diaz is perhaps one of the most interesting players to watch for the Tribe this coming season and he will look to make a permanent spot on the roster for himself.

As mentioned, before Kipnis made his return from the DL, Yandy started the season at third. In that early half of the season he was underwhelming to say the least, slashing .203/.268/.219. But once he made his return on August 23 his lines jumped to .304/.407/.402.

During the home stretch of the season Diaz started a majority of the games at third. He was also playing the position for most of the team’s 22-game win streak. To the disappointment of many fans, Diaz didn’t start a game in the postseason for the Tribe.

But that doesn’t mean fans should discount the possibility of him starting at third in 2018. In my opinion, I think he should be the team’s starter as he was at the start of last year.

Another idea worth nothing is the possibility of using Kipnis at third base and keeping Ramirez at second. It’s a stretch, but we really don’t know how Kip will be used in 2018.

Next: 3 potential in-house AL MVP candidates

Overall, the Indians have a lot of versatile players on their roster. Some of the aforementioned players may even be used as outfielders. Once Spring Training rolls around the Indians will have to keep their eye on the hot corner to see just who deserves to start there in 2018.