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Cleveland Indians Top 25 in 2016: No. 18, Zach McAllister

By Steven Kubitza

Sep 10, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Zach McAllister (34) delivers a pitch during the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Minnesota Twins won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Zach McAllister (34) delivers a pitch during the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Minnesota Twins won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Our look at the Top 25 Cleveland Indians in 2016 continues as we look back at the successful season had by Zach McAllister.

The reason the Cleveland Indians were so great in 2016 was because each player on the roster stepped up in some fashion and helped contribute to the whole of the team. Zach McAllister did just that all season.

McAllister had a successful year out of the bullpen, appearing in 53 total games and finishing with an ERA of 3.44. 10 of his 20 earned runs came in a total three games, so he had 50 solid appearances in 2016.

As with most of the bullpen not named Miller, Allen, or Shaw, McAllister saw limited playing time in the postseason. He appeared in three games, allowing three runs in three innings.

Related Story: Top 25 Indians in 2016: Mike Clevinger

2016 was McAllister’s second full year in the bullpen, and it seems he has found a home there. With the dominant rotation already in Cleveland, he can serve the team best out of the bullpen. His mid-90s fastball is also a weapon, when he can control it.

His season was good enough to lead the Indians to tender him a contract for 2017, perhaps taking that final right-handed bullpen spot over Jeff Manship, who was not tendered a contract last week.

2016 was a bit of a decline for McAllister compared to his 2015 season, but not by much. He logged 16 2/3 fewer innings and his ERA jumped .44, but there were no drastic drop-offs worth noting.

The Indians bullpen will be in greater focus than ever before in 2017 thanks to the revolution started by Terry Francona, but the regular season will not feature Andrew Miller pitching every day. Instead, the bullpen as a whole will have to try to live up to the standard set by Miller, Allen, and Shaw. And based on his two seasons in the bullpen, McAllister figures to be a major part of the group’s success next season.

Like most of the roster, McAllister has been on the Indians for several years and has been a quality player during that span. He may not be a star, but he is surely deserving of recognition on this list.

Next: Should the Cleveland Indians Sign Edwin Encarnacion?

Be sure to check out the site tomorrow to see who comes in at No. 17.

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