Eleven years ago, Michael Brantley put together one of the best seasons ever by a Cleveland Guardian when he slashed .327/.385/.506 with 200 hits, 20 home runs, 97 RBI, 23 steals and 45 doubles en route to a third-place finish in the American League MVP voting.
And while that season would stand the test of time regardless thanks to his accomplishments, it also serves as a stark reminder of the Guardians’ outfield futility in the years since, as that campaign marks the last time that a Guardians outfielder hit 20 home runs in a season.
In the time since Brantley’s 2014 season, 57 players have played at least one game in the outfield for the Guardians.