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CLEVELAND, OH — The Indians were a roller coaster in 2019.

They won 93 games and finished second in the American League Central Division. It was the first time since 2015 that they didn't win the division title. The Twins dethroned the Tribe, winning 101 games.


The year was full of ups and downs. The organization extended manager Terry Francona through 2022. They also traded one of the best pitchers in team history. Two-time Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber was sent to the Rangers on December 15.

The Indians continue to retool. They want to win-now and also have one eye on the future. Oscar Mercado was one of the many young players that emerged for the Tribe in 2019.

The rookie center fielder brought a unique blend of size, speed and athleticism to the ballpark on a daily basis. He made plenty of highlight reel catches and also showed flashes of brilliance at the plate. Mercado finished with 118 hits in 115 games for the Tribe, finishing his first big league season with a .269 batting average, 15 home runs and 54 RBI.

The Indians also parted with Trevor Bauer, trading the right-hander to the Reds in July. One of the most controversial players in recent Indians' history was gone. Sluggers Franmil Reyes and Yasiel Puig were the center pieces of the deal. Puig, who is a free agent this offseason — became an instant fan favorite in Cleveland. Reyes hopes to be a big part of the 2020 team and beyond.

Veteran Jason Kipnis is a free agent. The longtime Indians' second baseman could be playing elsewhere next season. Kipnis hit 17 home runs and posted a .245 batting average in 121 games last season.

Even though the Indians failed to win the division and didn't make the playoffs, 2019 was filled with plenty of good moments.

Shane Bieber was named All-Star Game MVP in front of the hometown crowd. That was the icing on the cake for Bieber, who had a stellar 2019 campaign. He finished 15-8 and posted a 3.28 ERA in 34 starts. Bieber finished fourth in the American League Cy Young Award voting.

Bieber was one of four Indians players to make the American League All-Star team. Brad Hand, Francisco Lindor and Carlos Santana also represented the Tribe at Progressive Field.

Quote of the Year: "He is f––ing huge. When he walked through that door, I was like holy s––, I mean it's like a f––ing mammoth." — Indians manager Terry Francona on Franmil Reyes

Moment of the Year: Carlos Carrasco standing with his teammates and Francona during the Stand Up to Cancer Presentation at the All-Star Game. Carrasco received a gigantic ovation in front of a national audience.

Carrasco's return to Progressive Field was also a breathtaking moment. The right-hander received a huge ovation as he jogged to a mound he hadn't pitched from in 101 days. The crowd went wild for Carrasco, who was diagnosed with leukemia in early June.

2019 MVP: Carlos Santana — The Indians reunited with Santana on December 13, 2018. It was their best move of the offseason.

Santana posted career-highs in multiple categories including batting average (.281), RBI (93), on-base percentage (.397) and slugging percentage (.515). His stellar play earned him a spot on the American League All-Star team and he was the Indians' lone starter in the "Midsummer Classic." Santana also represented the Tribe in the Home Run Derby.

Looking ahead to 2020: The Indians' retool continues as they look to compete in the present, with an eye on the future. It's a delicate balance that the organization handled well in 2019.

More changes could be on the way in the near future, which could make for quite an interesting offseason!