Cleveland Indians Top 25 in 2016: No. 20, Brandon Guyer
Our look at the Top 25 Cleveland Indians in 2016 continues with a look back at the season had by Brandon Guyer after he was acquired at the trade deadline.
After years of being sellers, the Cleveland Indians surprised fans and become major buyers at the 2016 trade deadline. Yet while much of the focus was on the acquisition of Andrew Miller and the near acquisition of Jonathan Lucroy, another key player was brought to Cleveland.
Brandon Guyer joined the Indians by way of Tampa Bay, and although he was not a big name, the front office made a great decision by bringing him to town. Not only did he help the team in 2016, but he was more than a rental player as he is under contract for 2017 as well.
Guyer only appeared in 38 regular season games for the Indians in 2016, part of an outfield platoon that saw collective success all year. He slashed .333/.438/.469 in those 38 games, and proved to be a reliable player who the Indians can rely on to be a part of the outfield unit next season.
He primarily came off the bench in the postseason, getting six hits in 18 at-bats. He helped lead the charge late in Game 7 of the World Series, and was driven in by Rajai Davis on that magical game-tying home run.
Guyer was not a star for the Indians in 2016, but he was a great option off the bench late in any game to come in and provide a quality at-bat. With Tyler Naquin struggling and Abraham Almonte out for the postseason, picking up Guyer was an outstanding move and should continue to pay off next season.
He will not likely be a regular starter for the team in 2016, yet he will still see a great deal of playing time. Indians fans only got a glimpse of Guyer in 2016, remembering him mainly for his ability to get hit by pitches at a painful rate. His age and experience can help with the development of younger players on the roster, and can help replace the lost veteran presence of Rajai Davis if the Indians choose to let the postseason hero sign elsewhere.
Brandon Guyer did his part to help the Indians make it as far as they did, and for that reason he makes this list. Be sure to check out the site tomorrow to see who comes in at No. 19.
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