Cleveland Indians field just one prospect on MLB top 100 list
A recent ranking of MLB’s top 100 prospects is troubling for the Cleveland Indians organization, as just one player is on the list.
The Cleveland Indians have just one player on Keith Law’s Top 100 prospect list, with Nolan Jones coming in at No. 35 in the rankings.
The rankings cause concern regarding the future of the Tribe, especially as the front office contemplates moving star short stop Francisco Lindor. Deal the three-time All-Star would ensure the system gets replenished, but dealing such a talent almost assures the Indians will lose the trade.
If you’re not into rankings, you’ll chalk these rankings up to non-sense. After all, the Indians have worked wonders in developing pitchers in their farm system and the organization figures to lean heavily on Shane Bieber, Zach Plesac and Aaron Civale in the 2019 season.
The trio of promising starters were all harvested out of the 2016 draft, with Bieber coming in the fourth round, Civale coming in the third round and Plesac being selected in the 12th.
Plus, Triston McKenzie was once a highly though of prospect and the only reason his stock dropped was because of injury. He’s in his first big-league camp this spring and a strong showing will get his stock trending in the right direction.
Jones looks like the real deal at third base. While he’s been invited to big-league camp, he’ll likely start the season with Class AA Akron. He’s only 21, which means his game probably needs a great degree of polishing before he’s ready to face Major League pitching on a daily basis.
Unfortunately, the club hasn’t had as much luck producing position players–outfielders in particular–as they have had developing pitchers.
Perhaps the perception surrounding that position jump could change this season if Bradley Zimmer reclaims the buzz that had him ranked as the organization’s No. 1 prospect just a few seasons ago.
3 players Browns should pursue in trades. dark. Next
For comparisons sake, the Tigers lead the AL Central with four prospects on the list, while the White Sox and Twins each have three. The Royals had just one more player on the list.