Here’s my perfect Cleveland Indians’ 25-man roster for 2019: Paul Hoynes

CLEVELAND, Ohio — In the last two regular seasons the Indians have won 193 games. In the postseason, they’ve gone 2-6 and failed to advance past the first round.

With a growing payroll, an aging position player roster, and lukewarm attendance, the Indians have decided to walk a difficult path this winter in preparation for 2019. They’re contemplating trading a high-priced veteran or two to create some breathing room in the payroll, but still field a strong team capable of winning their fourth straight AL Central title and doing more damage than they absorb in October.

With that in mind Joe Noga and I are going to take a swing at putting together our perfect 25-man roster with a payroll at or below $135 million. That was the Indians’ payroll last season, which set a franchise record.

My payroll for 2019 with a nip here and a tuck there comes in at $117,041,000.

Read on to find out how I got there.

The Indians have done a great job developing and putting together their current starting rotation. It’s a shame to put a dent in it, but that’s what I’m going to do.

I’ve traded Trevor Bauer to the Phillies for right-handers Zach Eflin and Adonis Medina and left-hander JoJo Romero.  Eflin will take Bauer’s spot in the rotation.

Medina and Romero are in the minors and a year or two away from the big leagues. But they’re two of the Phillies’ top five prospects. Romero made 18 starts at Class AA last season, striking out 100 in 106 2/3 innings.

OK, so Bauer is gone, but I’m not done trading yet. Terry Francona has done a great job managing an outfield that during most of his tenure has only included one full-time player. But Michael Brantley is a free agent and he’s not expected to return.

So I’m going to trade young starters Shane Bieber and Triston McKenzie to Seattle for outfielder Mitch Haniger. Seattle GM Jerry Dipoto has traded just about everyone else on the roster, but says Haniger is untouchable. But he needs starting pitching and Bieber is coming off a great rookie season and McKenzie is the Tribe’s top prospect.

So who takes Bieber’s spot? I’m going to open the season with Adam Plutko. Danny Salazar, if healthy, and Cody Anderson will be in reserve.