The 1989 Cleveland Indians season was their 89th season in the American League. For the 3rd consecutive season, the Indians had a losing record. The Indians had at least 73 wins for the 2nd consecutive season. Offseason November 28, 1988: The Indians traded a player to be named later to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Denny González and a player to be named later. The deal was completed on March 25, 1989, with the Pirates sending Félix Fermín to the Indians and the Indians sending Jay Bell to the Pirates. December 2, 1988: Luis Aguayo was signed as a free agent with the Cleveland Indians. December 3, 1988: Jesse Orosco was signed as a free agent by the Indians. December 5, 1988: Bud Black was signed as a free agent by the Indians. December 6, 1988: Julio Franco was traded by the Indians to the Texas Rangers for Pete O'Brien, Oddibe McDowell, and Jerry Browne. March 26, 1989: Keith Atherton was traded by the Minnesota Twins to the Cleveland Indians for Carmelo Castillo. Ohio Cup The first Ohio Cup, which was an annual pre-season baseball game, was played in 1989. The single-game cup was played at Cooper Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, and was staged just days before the start of each new Major League Baseball season. Regular season Season standings Record vs. opponents Notable transactions June 5, 1989: 1989 Major League Baseball draft Alan Embree was drafted by the Indians in the 5th round. Player signed September 6, 1989. Jim Thome was drafted by the Indians in the 13th round. Player signed June 18, 1989. Brian Giles was drafted by the Indians in the 17th round. Player signed July 18, 1989. June 22, 1989: Willie Cañate was signed by the Indians as an amateur free agent. July 2, 1989: Oddibe McDowell was traded by the Indians to the Atlanta Braves for Dion James. July 27, 1989: Doug Piatt was traded by the Indians to the Montreal Expos for Rick Carriger (minors). August 7, 1989: Keith Atherton was released by the Cleveland Indians. Opening Day Lineup Roster Player stats Batting Starters by position Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in Other batters Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home