After months of delays and negotiations, the 2020 MLB season is finally here.
And it figures to be one unlike any other, with each team only playing 60 games as opposed to the standard 162-game slate.
With 40 of each team's games coming against their own division, fans figure to find themselves more familiar with their team's rivals than in any previous year. With that in mind, let's take a look at the best players in the Cleveland Indians' division by compiling an All-American League Central preseason team.
Catcher: Yasmani Grandal, Chicago White Sox
Between Mitch Garver, Roberto Perez and James McCann, catchers was already one of the strongest positions in the American League Central and that was before the White Sox signed Yasmani Grandal to a 4-year, $73 million deal. In 2019, the 2-time All-Star enjoyed a career year with the Milwaukee Brewers, hitting for a .246 average (.848 OPS), 28 home runs and 77 RBIs.
First baseman: Carlos Santana, Cleveland Indians
After spending 2018 with the Philadelphia Phillies, Carlos Santana returned to Cleveland, where he had spent the first eight seasons of his career. In his first year back with the Indians, Santana put up the best numbers of his career, hitting for a .281 average (.911 OPS) to go along with 34 home runs and 93 RBIs while earning his first All-Star appearance.
Second baseman: Luis Arraez, Minnesota Twins
After making his MLB debut last May, Luis Arraez established himself as one of the best young second basemen in all of baseball. In 92 games -- 49 of which he played at second base -- the 23-year-old hit for a .334 average (.838 OPS) and scored 28 runs.
Shortstop: Francisco Lindor, Cleveland Indians
Having earned All-Star honors in each of his four full seasons at the Major League level, Francisco Lindor isn't just one of the best players in the American League Central, but all of baseball. The only question is how much longer will Lindor -- who hit for a .284 average (.854 OPS), 32 home runs and 74 RBIs last season -- call the A.L. Central home, as his name has been a constant in trade rumors ever since the end of the 2019 campaign.
Third baseman: Josh Donaldson, Minnesota Twins
Between Jose Ramirez and Yoan Moncada, there are plenty of options here, but the nod goes to 2015 American League MVP, Josh Donaldson. After he hit for a .259 average (.900 OPS), 37 home runs and 94 RBIs with the Atlanta Braves in 2019, the Twins signed Donaldson to a 4-year, $92 million contract, bolstering what was already the division's most productive lineup.
Outfield: Whit Merrifield, Kansas City Royals
While his name has been the subject of rumors at each of the past two trade deadlines, Whit Merrifield remains in Kansas City. With the versatility to play multiple positions, the 2-time American League steals leader is expected to spend 2020 in centerfield after leading the Major Leagues in hits (206) and triples (10) in 2019.
Outfield: Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins
While primarily known for his defense, Byron Buxton put together the best season of his career at the plate in 2019. Appearing in 87 games, the 2017 Wilson Defensive Player of the Year hit for a .262 average (.827 OPS), 10 home runs and 46 RBIs, in addition to using his signature speed to steal 14 bases.
Outfield: Max Kepler, Minnesota Twins
With Merrifield and Buxton providing the speed, it was Max Kepler who brought the power last season. Posting career highs with a .252 batting average (.855 OPS), 36 home runs and 90 RBIs, the Germany native's 4.1 WAR was the best of any American League Central outfielder in 2019.
Designated hitter: Nelson Cruz, Minnesota Twins
At 38-years-old, Nelson Cruz put together one of the best seasons of his 15-year career in 2019. In addition to hitting for a .311 average (1.031 OPS), the 6-time All-Star hit 41 home runs and 108 RBIs en route to earning Silver Slugger honors.
With an American League-best 48 home runs, Jorge Soler of the Royals made an intriguing case. But he lacks the proven track record that Cruz currently possesses.
Starting pitcher: Shane Bieber, Cleveland Indians
Between Lucas Giolito (White Sox), Jose Berrios (Twins) and even his own teammate, Mike Clevinger, Shane Bieber faces plenty of competition when it comes to being considered the best pitcher in the division. But it's hard to look past the reigning All-Star Game MVP's combination of early production (15-8, 3.28 ERA, 259 strikeouts in 2019) and upside, as the 25-year-old appears poised to become one of the best pitchers in all of baseball.
Relief pitcher: Taylor Rogers, Minnesota Twins
After taking over as the Twins' closer early last season, Taylor Rogers established himself as one of baseball's best. Posting 30 saves in 36 opportunities, the left-hander compiled a .261 ERA and 90 strikeouts in 60 appearances).