The 2013 Cleveland Indians season was the 113th season for the franchise. The team, managed by Terry Francona, began their season on April 2. They advanced to the postseason and lost to the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2013 American League Wild Card Game.
Offseason
Departures
Infielder Brent Lillibridge refused assignment and became a free agent on November 25, 2012. The Indians did not tender contracts to infielder Jack Hannahan, Rafael Perez and Chris Seddon, making them free agents. All three went on to sign with other clubs. In a three-team trade on December 11, the Indians traded Shin-Soo Choo, Jason Donald, Tony Sipp and Lars Anderson.
Arrivals
Following the firing of three-year manager Manny Acta, the Indians signed former Boston Red Sox manager, Terry Francona to a four-year deal on October 6, 2012. Francona and Sandy Alomar Jr. were the only candidates for the position. Francona previously had a history with the Cleveland Indians as a front office advisor in 2001. Also, Francona and his dad, Tito, both played in the Major Leagues for the Indians. He stated that he is close with Indians president, Mark Shapiro and general manager, Chris Antonetti and that's what intrigued him the most.
On November 2, Blake Wood was claimed off waivers from Kansas City. The next day, Mike Avilés and Yan Gomes were acquired in a trade with Toronto. Mike McDade was also claimed off waivers from Toronto about a month later. On December 9, the Indians signed Mark Reynolds to a one-year, $6 million contract. Two days later, the Indians made their biggest trade of the offseason. They acquired Drew Stubbs from Cincinnati and Trevor Bauer, Bryan Shaw, and Matt Albers from Arizona. In one of the biggest signings of the offseason, the Indians signed Nick Swisher to a four-year, $56 million on December 23. Brett Myers agreed to a 1-year, $7 million deal January 1, 2013. After signing Michael Bourn to a four-year $48 million contract, the Indians finished the offseason with spending $117 million on free agents after spending just $8 million the past two seasons.
The busy offseason left many fans and writers saying the Indians will be the most improved team in 2013 and "if there was an offseason championship, the trophy would be heading to Cleveland".
Spring training
On November 29, the Indians announced their spring training schedule. Pitchers and catchers reported to spring training on February 10, 2013. The first full team workout took place on February 15 and the first game took place on February 22 against the Cincinnati Reds.
Injuries
Michael Brantley was accidentally spiked by Oakland Athletics third basemen Josh Donaldson on February 25 at spring training. He received 15 stitches and was expected to be out 10 days. Chris Perez also sprained his shoulder during spring training and was expected to be out three to four weeks. The Indians had several players on the disabled list (DL) to start the season; Frank Herrmann, Blake Wood and Josh Tomlin started the season on the 60-day DL after having Tommy John surgery.
Regular season
The Indians started the regular season in Toronto against the Blue Jays on April 2. Their home opener, which was on April 8, sold out in 6 minutes; one of the fastest sell outs in Indians history.
Opening Day Starting Lineup
CF Michael Bourn
SS Asdrúbal Cabrera
2B Jason Kipnis
1B Nick Swisher
LF Michael Brantley
C Carlos Santana
DH Mark Reynolds
3B Lonnie Chisenhall
RF Drew Stubbs
SP Justin Masterson
April
For the second straight year, the Indians opened the season against the Toronto Blue Jays, this time in Toronto. Unlike the 2012 opener, the Indians won the game 4–1 with ace Justin Masterson going eight dominant innings and closer Chris Perez picking up the save. Despite this win, the Tribe started the season slowly, at just 8–13. The Indians' struggles during April included a crushing 11–6 defeat by the New York Yankees in the team's home opener, and a 3-game sweep at the hands of the Boston Red Sox.
The Indians' fortunes turned around late in the month. Beginning with the second game of an April 28 doubleheader against the Kansas City Royals, the Indians won six straight games and 18 of 22 going through the middle of May. On April 30, the Indians tied a team record with seven home runs in a game, as they defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 14–2.