The best way to describe Cleveland’s farm system after the 2014 season is sneaky good. Though it’s thin on pitching prospects (less so after this year’s draft), the Tribe have assembled a promising collection of young hitters, including several who are either switch-hitters or swing from the left side of the plate exclusively and project to remain at an up-the-middle position long term.
Shortstop Francisco Lindor is an absolute wizard with the glove, and after the Tribe moved Asdrubal Cabrera at the trade deadline, the stage is now set for the 21-year-old to take over as the team’s everyday shortstop in 2015. Outfielder Tyler Naquin, the No. 15 overall pick in 2013, continued to silence his skeptics this season with a strong offensive campaign in the Eastern League. The 23-year-old also made strides with his defense in center field, easing some of the concern about his ability to handle the position at higher levels.
The Tribe’s top draft pick from 2013, Clint Frazier (No. 5 overall), had an up-and-down full-season debut at Low-A Lake County, but the 20-year-old red-headed outfielder showed improvement during the second half and finished with respectable numbers.
As for this year’s draft class, the Indians added one of the top college bats in outfielder Bradley Zimmer (No. 21 overall), a high-probability left-hander in Justus Sheffield (No. 31), a polished (left-handed) college hitter in Mike Papi (No. 38) and a projectable right-hander in Grant Hockin (No. 61).
They also landed one of the best all-around bats from the high school ranks in the third round in first baseman Bobby Bradley, and suffice it to say, the slugger made a strong impression by leading the rookie-level Arizona League in most offensive categories.
Meanwhile, the Indians have received breakout performances from 18-year-old catcher Francisco Mejia, who has some serious raw power and a patient approach, and 23-year-old shortstop Erik Gonzalez, who moved up the ladder one level behind Lindor.
Unfortunately, the Indians’ crop of pitching prospects isn’t nearly as impressive or projectable as their young hitters. Overall, the Tribe’s top arms are back-end types like Cody Anderson or guys who lack the command/control profile to stick in a rotation such as Dylan Baker, Dace Kime or Adam Plutko.
Here are the Cleveland Indians‘ top 10 prospects for the 2015 season.