LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- A year ago, there were whispers throughout the Winter Meetings that the Indians were an unexpected contender to sign free-agent slugger Edwin Encarnacion. The reports proved to be more than mere rumblings, as Cleveland did indeed go on to reel in its blockbuster target.
That helped set the stage for a memorable 2017 season for the Tribe, though it ultimately fell short of the club's World Series aspirations. Now that the Indians' brass has arrived in Florida on Sunday for this year's Winter Meetings, expect more whispers about how the reigning American League Central champions are trying to strengthen their roster.