Cleveland Indians: Latest prospect rankings spell trouble for Tribe’s future

The Cleveland Indians latest prospect rankings leave a lot to be desired.

The Cleveland Indians boast just one player among MLB.com’s Top 100 prospects: Third baseman Nolan Jones. Jones was a second-round selection (55th overall) in the 2016 draft.

For a fiscally conservative franchise such as the Tribe, the fact that the Tribe has just one blue-chip prospect is beyond disappointing. With no chance of keeping players like Francisco Lindor or signing franchise-changing free agents.

For comparisons sake, the White Sox have four prospects on the list. Two of those players, Luis Robert and Nick Madrigal, are already contriving with the big-league club.

The Tigers are down now, but the future looks bright, with five players ranked among the top 50.  The Twins and Royals also have four players ranked.

From a position-player standpoint, the Indians have been horrible at drafting, with the exception of Francisco Lindor (2011).

Here’s who the Tribe’s taken in the first round since 2010, Drew Pomeranz; 2011, Lindor; 2012, Tyler Naquin; 2013, Clint Frazier; 2014, Bradley Zimmer, Justus Sheffield, Mike Papi; 2015, Brady Aiken, Tristan McKenzie; 2016, Will Benson.

Bradley Zimmer is the only player drafted in the first round on the current roster. Tyler Naquin is on the list, when he’s available. Unfortunately, injuries have really slowed his career.

Some of those names have been traded or released. Some are still biding their time. Benson looks like another miss, as he wasn’t even named to the 60-man roster for the current campaign. Benson is playing in the independent Constellation Energy League where he’s batting .111 with nine strikeouts in 26 plate appearances.

Fortunately, the Indians have been able to mine pitchers from parts unknown of the draft. Most notably, the Tribe might’ve well as struck oil on Lake Erie when they drafted Aaron Civale (third round) and Zach Plesac (12th round).

While Jones is the lone top 100 representatives, there are intriguing prospects in the Indians system, including shortstop Tyler Freeman. The second-round pick (2017) has a plus bat, and if you’re going to have a plus tool, that’s probably the one you’d like. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him at some point next season. He’s currently Cleveland’s second-ranked prospect.

International signee George Valera (OF) also offers promise, as fans got a up-close look at him during the Summer Camp exhibitions against the Pirates. He’s only 19 and MLB.com lists 2023 as his arrival time. With his bat, don’t be surprised if he’s here sooner.