Should the Indians and Kipnis Part Ways?

With the resurgence of the Cleveland Indians ever since Terry Francona has taken the reigns of the franchise of the team in 2013, and especially what has transpired with the Indians being one run away from World Series glory in 2016 and then dominating the American League in 2017 en route to a disappointing ALDS exit, some people are probably already questioning how this could even be a thought to cross one’s mind, that a cornerstone of the franchise since 2011 can now just be expendable.

Jason Kipnis has no doubt earned the status he has had, as being one of the faces of the Indians since his rookie year, along with his two all star game appearances in 2013 and 2015. In lue of the emergence of the young superstars in the Indians infield, Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez, it has made Kipnis someone that the Indians should try to cash out on.

With any pro athlete, the body starts to see the wear-down process expedite itself whenever they reach the magic age of 30. It is rare to not at least see some dip in productivity in this, and some cases are more severe than others. With this past season being the one where Kipnis turned 30 right at the start of it, the production dip would have been something that no one would have seen coming.

In only 90 games this season, Kipnis registered a slash of .232/.291/.491, and for all of the people that are about the sabermetrics, the second baseman only posted a WAR on the season of 0.4, this is rather concerning for who is considered a premier position player for a team that is expected to be contending for the World Series for the next few years.

Also, the injury bug bit Kipnis hard this past season, after he had stayed relatively healthy before in his career up to this point. He had two diagnosed right shoulder injuries in spring training that delayed the start to his season, and then in July had a strained right hamstring, and in August had recurring issues with that same hamstring.

It would be absurd for me to suggest to trade someone after one injury filled season, but to think that they will improve when the player is north of 30 is questionable.

Going back, Jose Ramirez being third in the MVP voting, as well as being the AL Silver Slugger winner for third base, is making for a crowded infield, alongside Francisco Lindor, who is a budding superstar in the MLB, with a Silver Slugger this past season and a Platinum Glove in the 2016 season already under his belt. Also, the emergence of Yandy Diaz, showing he is capable to handle the major league hot corner to go along with his big league ready bat, as well as Giovanny Urshela showing what he can do with the glove, make it tough for Kipnis.

Jose Ramirez could then move back to his natural position of second base, while making a competition for the hot corner between Diaz, Urshela, and also major league ready prospect Erik Gonzales, whose career has been stalled by Lindor and Ramirez. The biggest improvement of this lineup change would be defensively, which would see the Indians potentially adding a third premier defender in Urshela next to Lindor and Ramirez at their respective positions, who would then compliment one of the best starting rotations in major league baseball.

Jason Kipnis has never really been known for more than being an average defending second baseman. He made the switch from outfield to second base once he was in the Indians farm system, so a move back to the outfield is possible, but would not make much sense, as the Indians are crowded there to with the breakout rookie season of stud center fielder Bradley Zimmer, as well as having veterans Lonnie Chisenhall, who was one of the Indians leading producers last year, and Michael Brantley hopefully healthy and ready for a full season. Also the possibility is still there for them to re-sign Jay Bruce, and also re-sign Austin Jackson who had a resurgent year, as well as camp invitee Melvin Upton Jr. will be competing with all of these men, which does not account for speedy prospect Greg Allen who made an impact as a September call up.

With Kipnis, it would make sense for the Indians to try and shop him with the return price being some bullpen help, as to the date of this article being posted, have let Bryan Shaw, Joe Smith, and Boone Logan all walk in free agency.

Jason Kipnis is by no means done with his career, but his stay in Cleveland may be coming to a close, which he could move on to a team that is on the cusp of competing as a perennial playoff contender, and a change in scenery could also refresh his mind.

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