Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Cleveland Indians Prospects To Watch For In the Near Future


The Cleveland Indians currently have one of the brightest futures of any MLB team. With the young, talented, controllable starting pitching, the nice young core, and a great farm system, the ceiling for this team is really incredible. Last season we were all dazzled by the debut of shortstop Francisco Lindor, who wound up in second for the AL Rookie of the Year voting, but what players from the Cleveland farm system are coming in 2016? Or maybe in the next few years?
2016
Tyler Naquin - Naquin was the 15th overall pick in 2012, and is almost major league ready. Naquin has been seriously slowed by injuries, but is still not too far from an MLB roster spot. His nice arm, speed, on base ability, and extra base ability make him a nice fit for Cleveland's future outfield.
James Ramsey - Ramsey was acquired for Justin Masterson during the 2014 season, and is currently part of an incredible amount of outfield depth in the Cleveland farm system. Ramsey is expected to hit for a good average, decent power, and play nice defense. Ramsey has been praised for his great leadership ability, and could be a nice piece in the Indians future.
Jesus Aguilar - Questions are beginning to be raised about the 25 year old right handed slugging first baseman, but Aguilar still has potential to be a very talented power hitter in the major leagues. Aguilar has hit just .192 in 52 major league at bats, and still has yet to crack his first homerun; However, he has shown ability to hit for both average, and power in AAA.
Shawn Armstrong - Armstrong had a successful Major League debut last season, posting an ERA of 2.25 in 8 games. Armstrong has a very good shot at cracking the Opening Day bullpen, and making a nice impact all season long.
2017
Bradley Zimmer - While Zimmer could be a late 2016 call up, we will probably not see his full effect until 2017. Zimmer is currently ranked as the number 26 prospect in all of baseball, and is rapidly climbing his way through the Cleveland farm system. His potential to be an all around center fielder is very exciting, and couldn't come at a better time for Cleveland. Several teams inquired about the outfielder this offseason, but the Indians wisely held on to him.
Clint Frazier - Frazier nine behind Zimmer on the top 100 prospect list at 35, and has just about the same scouting report. Frazier is not climbing the ranks quite as fast as Zimmer, but is still expected to reach the majors around 2017.
Rob Kaminsky - Kaminsky was acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals for slugger Brandon Moss in 2015, and is now the number 74 prospect in baseball. Due to his small stature, some people view him as a future bullpen arm, but the lefty has great potential as a major league starter.
Players who could be held back by current MLB talent
Erik Gonzalez - Gonzalez may not be a lock to see any MLB playing time in 2016, considering Lindor is filling in the MLB shortstop role nicely, but he is not far away from a call up. His speed, developing bat, and plus defense make him a great potential starter, but with Lindor/Kipnis up the middle, he may wind up being a bench/utility guy.
Adam Plutko - Plutko has impressed in the minor leagues, but with the incredible amount of pitching both in the farm system and Major Leagues, Plutko could be set back. His ceiling isn't incredibly high, but he has very nice potential as a solid MLB starter.
Mike Clevinger - Clevinger has dealt with injuries in his minor league career, but has re-established himself as a top pitching prospect. Again, the amount of pitching in the organization could hold him back, but many believe he is close to making a huge impact.
Shawn Morimando - Morimando is in the same boat as Plutko and Clevinger, but at 23 years old posted a 10-12 record with a 3.18 ERA as a starter for AA Akron in 2015. Regardless of how long it takes him, he could make a very positive impact in the Cleveland future.

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