Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor might bat third this season, per manager Terry Francona.
“That’s my sneaking suspicion," Francona said. Lindor was the Indians' No. 3 hitter back in 2016, but he's primarily been the leadoff man the past three seasons. Francona may want to better utilize that power elsewhere in the order after Lindor slugged .519 and .518 over the last two years. Cesar Hernandez may take over at the top of the order.
numberFire's models expect Lindor to post a .288 batting average and .870 OPS with 12 homers, 33 RBI, 40 runs scored, and 7 steals in 246 plate appearances this season.
Source: Zack Meisel, The Athletic