HOUSTON — The Cleveland Indians have spent the 2019 MLB postseason at home, having missed the playoffs after dropping the American League Central Division title to the Minnesota Twins.
Though Cleveland won't be seeing a World Series this year, some former Indians have a shot at the Commissioner's Trophy hardware. If you aren't sure which team to root for, take a look and see if you have a former favorite Indian in the mix.
Michael Brantley, Houston Astros
Michael Brantley spent the first decade of his career with the Indians, and many fans were upset to see him go. He was a four-time All-Star during his time in Cleveland, hitting for a .295 average, 87 home runs and 528 RBI.
Brantley became a free agent following the 2018 season and signed a two-year, $32 million deal with the Astros. His success has carried over to Houston as he crafted another All-Star season, hitting .311 for 22 home runs, 90 RBI and an .875 OPS, the second-highest of his career.
Yan Gomes, Washington Nationals
Yan Gomes joined the Indians in 2012 alongside Mike Aviles in a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays for Esmil Rogers. Gomes spent six seasons in Cleveland, one of which included an All-Star nomination and a Silver Slugger Award.
Cleveland traded Gomes to Washington following the 2018 season in exchange for prospects Jefry Rodriguez, Daniel Johnson and Andruw Monasterio.
This season, Gomes hit .223 for 12 home runs and 43 RBI through 97 games with Washington.
Joe Smith, Houston Astros
Joe Smith was part of the Cleveland "Bullpen Mafia" back in the heyday of 2011, when the Indians bullpen was a formidable force anchored by the likes of Chris Perez and Vinnie Pestano. Smith, a sidearmer from Amelia, Ohio, spent five seasons with Cleveland from 2009-13, crafting a 2.76 ERA through 303 appearances.
Smith agreed to a three-year, $15.75 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels in 2013. He joined the Astros in 2018, making 84 relief appearances for a 3.06 ERA.
Asdrubal Cabrera, Washington Nationals
It feels like Asdrubal Cabrera played for the Indians forever ago, now that Francisco Lindor has planted his feet at shortstop. But Cabrera was a key part of the Indians' infield for eight years, which included two All-Star appearances and a Silver Slugger Award.
Cabrera's time in Cleveland resulted in a .270 batting average for 82 home runs and 430 RBI. He landed in Washington this season after stints with Texas, Philadelphia, the New York Mets and Tampa Bay Rays. He's hit .323 this season through 38 games.
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The 2019 World Series kicks off Tuesday in Houston at 8 p.m.
