Another disastrously slow start on defense handicapped the Cleveland Indians' latest bid to contend for at least another wild card on manager Terry Francona’s watch. They were hampered as well by the implosions of veterans Brandon Moss, Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn. All wasn’t bleak, however: A talented young rotation coalesced around 2014 Cy Young winner Corey Kluber, and all were bolstered by an overhauled defense built around blue-chip prospect Francisco Lindor at shortstop.

What do they need? An impact bat, because beyond Michael Brantley and Lindor, the Indians have a decent group of complementary players to spin an offense around. But where? A premium offensive position, because even if you were wildly optimistic about Lonnie Chisenhall’s second-half rebound at the plate with his move to right field and Brantley’s recovery time from shoulder surgery and had faith Carlos Santana is going to finally bust out in time to earn a 2017 team option for $12 million, you would still like to see the Indians add a big-time thumper for first base, DH or an outfield corner. Beyond that, they could use an alternative at third base; as well-regarded as Giovanny Urshela’s defense might be, his high-contact, low-impact approach at the plate might be tough to carry.

Guy on the rise: After years of anticipation, right-hander Carlos Carrasco finally provided the Indians with real vindication from the 2009 trade that sent Cliff Lee to the Phillies. The Venezuelan flamethrower made his first 30-start season, and perhaps even more impressively kept his velocity around 96 mph down the stretch while overpowering opponents and posting a 2.99 post-break ERA with a 0.90 WHIP and 11.2 K/9. It completes his comeback from the 2011 elbow trouble that culminated in Tommy John surgery and cost him all of 2012, as well.

Prospect to anticipate: Lindor is already here, leaving a massive gap in his wake for who might be "the guy" in the system. A solid choice might be outfielder Bradley Zimmer, who should put himself into the picture in center during the second half once he recovers from a stress fracture in his foot. But a dark-horse candidate might be Cuban import Yandy Diaz at third base after posting an .807 OPS with excellent plate coverage and command of the strike zone between Double-A and Triple-A in his first full season stateside.

Winter action plan: Indians exec Chris Antonetti has already said he wouldn’t rule out dealing one of his team’s young arms, and Carrasco is probably the guy who would presumably command the highest price in terms of talent -- in no small part because of a massively below-market deal that runs through 2020 for $37.5 million, thanks to a pair of team options for the last two years. Could six years of cost certainty bring back an impact bat just entering his prime? Considering how strong this winter’s market is in starting pitching, it won’t be easy, but you can’t blame the Tribe for trying.

Failing that, if the Indians aren’t still hung over from the disastrous free-agency deals done with Swisher and Bourn, getting in on Chris Davis would certainly make sense. On the cheaper side of things, pursuing Daniel Murphy for third base and contacting the Pirates about Pedro Alvarez’s availability could answer their need for power.

For more on the Indians, check out It's Pronounced 'Lajaway', the SweetSpot network's Indians team blog.

Christina Kahrl writes about MLB for ESPN. You can follow her on Twitter.