5 Cleveland Indians Prospects Likely To Be Promoted In 2017

Bradley Zimmer, CF

Remember last year when the Indians were desperate for outfield help entering the season? Michael Brantley was hurt. Abraham Almonte got popped for PEDs.

But Naquin used his opportunity to win the Opening Day job after a stellar spring. He was sent down to the minors briefly in May, but was quickly back up with the Tribe. He had something to contribute, and made Cleveland his permant home.

If the Indians had an opening this year, Bradley Zimmer case would be hard to argue against. He’s absolutely tearing the cover off the ball in Goodyear, slashing .359 (1.046) OPS entering March 17, according to MLB.com.

Zimmer made adjustments to his swing in the Arizona Fall League after a drop-off during his 2016 minor-league campaign, which spanned between Class AA Akron and Class AAA Columbus. After making the Eastern League (AA) All-Star Game, Zimmer was promoted to Columbus.  In 128 at bats, Zimmer hit just. 242 (.654 OPS) with the Clippers, striking out 56 times.

Strikeouts are a problem, as the 24-year-old has whiffed an average of 151 times the last two years.

But the change to his swing will be something to watch when he opens the season with the Clippers. If Zimmer starts hot, and maintains that level of play through early June, lookout.

Here’s the bad thing about Zimmer. If the Tribe fans do see him before September, it’s likely because the current outfield isn’t cutting the mustard. That means injuries may be bothering guys like Brantley, or perhaps their a production falloff from someone like Chisenhall or Naquin.

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Hopefully this won’t be the case. If Zimmer puts together a successful minor-league season and the Indians handle their business at the top of the AL Central standings, we’re likely to see Zimmer, but not until September.