3 players Cleveland Indians must get from Mets in Francisco Lindor trade

3. Ryley Gilliam, RHP

The Indians have a void to fill with the team parting ways with Brad Hand after the season. Emmanuel Clase, a hard throwing right-hander acquired in the trade for Corey Kluber will be back from his PED suspension and is expected to pick up a lot of innings.

That said, the Indians conceded defeat on Adam Cimber, making the side-armer a free agent. Cimber was acquired with Hand in the 2018 trade that sent top catching prospect Francisco Mejia to the Padres.

So, why Gilliam, the Mets 25nd ranked prospect, according to MLB Pipeline?

Mostly, he’s close to being ready for big-league action. He breezed through the minors after being drafted out of Clemosn in the fifth round of the 2018. He finished 2019 pitching at Triple-A. He’ll probably have to open the season with the Clippers, if acquired, but he may not be there long.

Giliam possess two plus pitches in a fastball and a curve. His 5-foot-10 frame is able to crank out heat in the mid-90s. His curve is described as having “big shape” and “hard downward action.” He’s averaged 13.98 strikeouts per nine inning during his short minor-league career.

The Indians need back-end help and Gilliam may be able to provide it as early as this season.

Adding him in potential Lindor deal is a no brainer for a front office that has excelled in developing pitchers of late.