The Cleveland Indians are an organization of opportunity.
We have already seen several positions shuffle through players in 2021 and the latest move was sending shortstop Andres Gimenez down to Triple-A.
The outfield has seen a lot of change, while first base has featured several names as well.
The ultimate goal here is to find everyday players once all the shuffling slows down and individuals emerge from the pack.
Two players in particular have a chance to finally earn those roles starting now.
2. Amed Rosario
AMED ROSARIO WALKS THE @INDIANS OFF!!!!!!#OURCLE pic.twitter.com/tEdDwrSXHy
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) May 12, 2021
Gimenez heading to the minors means Amed Rosario will now get a shot to be the everyday shortstop.
Both players came over from the New York Mets in the Francisco Lindor deal and fans must remember Rosario is still only 25 years old.
He nearly posted a 3.0 WAR in 2019 and was an everyday player the past three seasons.
Gimenez overtook him in 2020 and now Rosario did the same, this time in Cleveland.
2021 got off to an interesting start for Rosario.
He was shifted to center field and his debut in spring training was a disaster.
There were errors, dropped balls, and everything in between.
But he learned fast and can now hold his own out there.
That added versatility kept him around and now he is back at his natural position.
The key will be improving on offense.
Rosario is slashing .220/.276/.331 so far in 35 games.
His career OPS is only .697, but he now has a chance to surpass that mark and be the guy for the Indians at shortstop.
If he underwhelms in this full-time role, he may not stick around much longer.
1. Harold Ramirez
The Indians have Bradley Zimmer and Oscar Mercado seeking a shot in center field this season.
So naturally Harold Ramirez was the one to come up and get the job.
The former Miami Marlin has a .743 OPS in limited action this season and is getting a shot to play now that Jordan Luplow is dealing with a nagging injury.
The Indians acquired the 26-year-old Ramirez this past offseason so it makes sense they wanted to see him first over the likes of Mercado and Zimmer, who have gotten their chances in the past.
Ramirez has never played a full MLB season, however, he has shown some nice pop with his bat in an Indians uniform.
Harold Ramirez off RHP Mike Mayers – 106.5 mph, 22 degrees (401 ft Home Run)
87.1 mph Slider#Indians @ #Angels (T8)— MLBBarrelAlert (@MLBBarrelAlert) May 18, 2021
Of his 10 hits, three have been doubles and two have left the yard.
He is also rarely striking out, with just five to his name so far.
Rosario and Ramirez are also joined by players like Josh Naylor, Jake Bauers, and Austin Hedges.
That entire group wants to prove they belong in Cleveland for the long-term and have the chance to do just that with their play.
They are all also trying to hold off some top prospects who are ready for their own opportunity at this level.
The name of Owen Miller should be kept in mind as he continues to dominate in Columbus.
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