Cleveland Indians 2021 Top 50 Prospects

Graphic design by John Stewart, @jonance on Twitter. Freeman photo credit Zele Photography.

When one door closes, another door opens – That’s what Cleveland Indians fans are hoping, anyway.

Since last year’s mid-season Top 50, the team has traded away Mike Clevinger, Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco. While this effectively closes the championship window on the 2014-2020 version of the team, Cleveland has retooled an already strong Minor League system for a future run. Between the two blockbusters, the abbreviated MLB Draft, Rule 5 Draft and international signing period, there are 12 new names on this year’s list.

Six names have also dropped off the list. Triston McKenzie and James Karinchak both graduated to Cleveland. While both struggled with consistency to varying degrees, both impressed in their debuts and will be key contributors this year. Utility infielders Christian Arroyo and Andrew Velazquez were both designated for assignment last year and caught on with different teams. Outfielder Ka’ai Tom and pitcher Luis Oviedo were selected in this year’s Rule 5 Draft. While the possibility exists for either or both to be returned to the Indians organization, it’s likely they’ll catch on with their new teams.


With most of their tradeable players having been moved already, the Indians’ farm system should be mostly set for 2021. See how the top players stack up below!

Prospects1500 Tiers:
Tier 1: Players with high expectations of both making the majors and playing at an All-Star level for a number of years
Tier 2: Players with an above average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 3: Players with an average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 4: Players who have the potential of making the majors, or have high likelihood of making the majors but providing minimal impact (e.g. middle reliever, low-ceiling UT guys)
Tier 5: Players who are worth keeping an eye on, but likely to never make a team’s 40-man roster

Tier 1

1. Nolan Jones, 3B/OF
Age: 22
Highest Level: AA

Jones retains his spot at the top of the list. He spent the summer at the Indians’ alternate site learning how to play both corner outfield spots. While this may delay his arrival in Cleveland in the short-term, Jose Ramirez won’t be moving off third base any time soon. The ability to play in a spot of need will result in an opportunity for Jones in the near future. Jones’ offensive profile hasn’t changed – Expect to see a strong OBP with healthy power in a corner outfield spot as soon as the second half of 2021.

2. George Valera, OF
Age: 20
Highest Level: A

Valera spent his summer at the Indians’ alternate site. The hope is this approach accelerated his development – Valera faced a higher level of competition than he otherwise would have, and he was able to work with experienced Major League players and coaches. Valera could be set up for a quick ascent through the Indians’ system in 2021: If his stats reflect his talent, he may be in Cleveland as soon as 2022.

3. Tyler Freeman, 2B/SS
Age: 21
Highest Level: A+

Freeman not only moves up the list, but he moves into Tier 1 for one reason: Power. Freeman has always been an exceptional hitter (he maintains a .319/.379/.441 career line), but his power has been lacking. Reports out of the alternate site indicate he hit eight home runs in the shortened season. If Freeman can maintain the power surge, he’s suddenly a middle infielder with .300 BA/20+ HR potential. A 2-3 punch of Tyler Freeman and Jose Ramirez should give Indians fans plenty to get excited about.

Tyler Freeman – South Bend Cubs at Lake County Captains, April 20, 2019. Photo by Jim Zele, @ZelePhotography

Tier 2

4. Daniel Espino, RHP
Age: 20
Highest Level: A-

Espino jumps Ethan Hankins on this year’s list. While Hankins is a level ahead of Espino, both were at the alternate site this summer. Reports indicate Espino is a bit more polished, whereas Hankins’ control tends to slip from time to time. Espino has an above average four pitch arsenal he uses to get batters out without allowing much damage – He only gave up one home run in 2019.

5. Ethan Hankins, RHP
Age: 20
Highest Level: A

Hankins and Espino lead the conversation for Cleveland’s next ace. Hankins has a high-90s fastball with good movement, but his secondary offerings are still works in progress. His curve and changeup have been improving, but still need some time to develop. Should all go according to plan, Hankins has a spot lined up in the top half of the Indians’ rotation.

6. Brayan Rocchio, SS
Age: 20
Highest Level: A-

Rocchio is my pick for Cleveland shortstop of the future. In a system full of shortstop prospects, Rocchio has the best combination of hitting and fielding talent. While his power is still developing, his mature approach should have him moving up the Indians’ system in a hurry. If his power develops in a similar fashion to Lindor’s, Rocchio will profile as a very similar player.

7. Andres Gimenez, 2B/SS
Age: 22
Highest Level: MLB

Barring injury, this should be Gimenez’s only appearance on this list. He spent most of the season in a part-time role for the Mets last season, compiling 132 PAs. Gimenez is an above average hitter, with power left to be unlocked in his swing. While he spent most of his year in Queens last year, he may start in AAA Columbus in 2021 as the Indians work to help him consistently tap into his power. Given his speed and athleticism and Tyler Freeman knocking on the door, the team may look to move Gimenez to center field, also.

Andres Gimenez – Binghamton Rumble Ponies at Akron Rubberducks, April 23, 2019. Photo by Jim Zele, @ZelePhotography

8. Bo Naylor, C
Age: 20
Highest Level: A

Another alternate site invitee, Naylor continues to be the apparent Indians catcher of the future. Naylor is an exceptional defender, but he still has some work to do at the plate. If Naylor can improve his on base numbers, he’ll rise quickly, as there aren’t any catchers blocking him. Timing works in Naylor’s favor, as well: Roberto Perez is under contract through 2022. If the team continues to cut payroll and Naylor has a strong season, Perez could be on the move before the 2022 season. Keep a close eye on Naylor’s development for a potential near future catching option.

9. Aaron Bracho, SS
Age: 19
Highest Level: A-

Still only 19, Bracho has one of the best upsides of any Indians hitting prospect. He has excellent control of the strike zone, and the power to do damage when he puts the ball in play. Bracho also spent time at the team’s alternate site over the summer, so he may go straight to A+ Lake County for his first taste of full-season baseball.

10. Gabriel Arias, SS
Age: 20
Highest Level: A+

One of the key pieces of the Clevinger trade, Arias is another highly regarded infield prospect who isn’t far from Cleveland. Arias is a polished defender who is still working on his approach at the plate. He brings above average power, but his K% has consistently exceeded 25% throughout his career. If he can cut his strike outs and get on base more, Arias may find himself in Cleveland within a couple years.

11. Tanner Burns, RHP
Age: 22
Highest Level: College

The first 2020 draft pick on this list, the Indians took the Auburn pitcher in the competitive balance round. Burns already has a fastball that sits in the mid-90s complemented by an above average changeup and curve ball, and he’s able to consistently control all three pitches. College pitchers with good control don’t spend much time in the minors. I expect Burns to be one of the first 2020 draftees to reach the Major Leagues.

Tier 3:

12. Lenny Torres, RHP
Age: 20
Highest Level: Rookie

Torres enters the 2021 season healthy after recovering from 2019 Tommy John surgery. A full year of health will be a good indicator of what we have in Torres. If he’s able to get his fastball back up to the mid-90s and continue developing his secondary offerings, he’s back on track as a potential future mid-rotation option. If he’s unable to recapture his pre-surgery form, he’ll fall down the list a bit.

13. Alexfri Planez, OF
Age: 19
Highest Level: Rookie

Videos out of Venezuela have Planez moving up this list in a hurry. The 19-year-old outfielder appears to be quickly gaining strength and channeling it into his smooth, compact swing. Planez is a quick outfielder who will likely wind up in a corner spot, but still has a shot to see time in center field if he can continue improving his reads. With a solid statistical season, Planez will be in the conversation with George Valera by the end of the year.

14. Daniel Johnson, OF
Age: 25
Highest Level: MLB

The Indians’ usage of Johnson in 2020 was curious at best. Despite an underwhelming outfield, Johnson only saw 13 plate appearances in Cleveland. Johnson did all the right things in 2019, improving his power and on base numbers while cutting back on his strikeouts. With the departure of Tyler Naquin, the Indians only have four outfielders on the 25-man roster. Johnson will have every opportunity to earn his outfield spot in 2021.

15. Emmanuel Clase, RHP
Age: 22
Highest Level: MLB

Another player on the verge of losing prospect status, Clase has yet to appear in Cleveland after being suspended for PED usage in 2020. Clase is a two-pitch pitcher who relies on his 100+ mph fastball to get batters out. He complements his fastball with a slider, but the movement on his fastball is what keeps batters off balance. Clase will team with James Karinchak to close out games for the Indians in 2021.

16. Yu Chang, 3B/SS
Age: 25
Highest Level: MLB

Chang is another prospect who has yet to see consistent time in Cleveland. With Lindor and Mike Freeman moving on, Chang figures to be the team’s primary utility infielder. He’s capable of playing all four infield positions and brings a welcome power boost for a utility player. He’ll be in the mix with Gimenez and Amed Rosario early in the year to see who settles in at what middle infield position.

17. Bobby Bradley, 1B/DH
Age: 24
Highest Level: MLB

With the departure of Carlos Santana, Bradley has the best shot at taking over full-time first base duties this year. Bradley will have some competition in Josh Naylor, but Naylor will likely spend most of his time at a corner outfield spot. While Bradley’s on-base numbers and strikeout rate may not be ideal, the power potential he possesses give the Indians a massive jolt to the middle of their lineup. If he’s able to keep the strikeouts within reason, Bradley shouldn’t have trouble sticking at first base.

Bobby Bradley – Columbus Clippers at Durham Bulls, August 9, 2018. Photo by Jim Zele, @ZelePhotography

18. Josh Wolf, RHP
Age: 20
Highest Level: Rookie

Another piece of the Lindor trade, Wolf gives the Indians another potential future arm. His mid-90s fastball and above average curveball project well. Some are concerned about the violence of Wolf’s mechanics, but health hasn’t been an issue yet. He’ll work with the Indians development staff over the next few years to round out his repertoire and refine any mechanical issues.

19. Isaiah Greene, OF
Age: 19
Highest Level: High School

The Indians thought highly of Greene in the 2020 draft, but he didn’t fall to them in the second round. Fortunately for Cleveland, the Mets included Greene in the Lindor/Carrasco deal. He’s a quick outfielder with above average contact skills. Refined swing mechanics should unlock additional power as Greene advances through the system. While he’s still a work-in-progress, Greene will be a Major League outfielder if he can put his raw talent together.

20. Petey Halpin, OF
Age: 18
Highest Level: High School

Halpin and Greene are nearly the same player. Halpin’s speed translates very well in both center field and on the base paths. He makes solid contact at the plate with some power projection already there. Both Halpin and Greene figure to advance through the system together, and both profile as very similar Major League players.

21. Jhonkensy Noel, 1B
Age: 19
Highest Level: Rookie

The big 19-year-old (listed at 6’1”, 180 lbs, but estimated up to 230) looks to be the next big power threat to come through the Indians’ system. He spent the year working out in the Dominican Republic and will likely start 2021 in Low-A Lynchburg. It will be worth monitoring Noel’s power and strikeout numbers in his first full season – Drastic results will cause a big move up or down this list.

22. Carson Tucker, SS
Age: 18
Highest Level: High School

Tucker was Cleveland’s first pick in the 2020 draft. His scouting report indicates he’s capable of consistent, solid contact, with more power left to unlock. Tucker is solid defensively, but he may have a tough time sticking at shortstop with the stable of shortstop prospects already in the Indians’ system. With his exceptional athleticism, don’t be surprised to see Carson go the way of brother Cole Tucker and transition to the outfield at some point.

23. Angel Martinez, SS
Age: 18
Highest Level: DSL

The young shortstop has shown promise in his young career. Martinez has a mature plate approach with good power potential. He’s an above-average fielder who should be in the mix for an infield spot in a few years. The Indians may be aggressive and give Martinez a shot in Low-A Lake County this year. If he’s able to succeed at his age, he’ll make his way into the conversation with the Indians’ other top infield prospects.

24. Nick Sandlin, RHP
Age: 24
Highest Level: AAA

Sandlin should finally get his chance in Cleveland in 2021. Another 2020 alternate site invitee, Sandlin’s development should be at a point where he can contribute in the Majors. Sandlin’s darting pitches and changing arm angles will offer a change-of-pace from the overpowering stuff of Clase and Karinchak. He should get plenty of opportunities in high-leverage situations.

25. Owen Miller, SS
Age: 24
Highest Level: AA

While he may not start the year in Cleveland, Miller is high on the list of utility infielder candidates. He’s capable of playing all over the infield and may be given a chance in the outfield. Miller’s bat may never take him to an All-Star Game, but he’s a competent hitter who can put an occasional pitch over the fence. Given the Indians’ needs in the outfield and uncertainty on the infield, Miller will be in the mix for a 2021 bench spot.

Tier 4:

26. Will Benson, OF
Age: 22
Highest Level: A+

Benson’s raw talent is well-known: He’s a fast outfielder who can hit the ball as far as anybody in Cleveland’s organization. His strikeout and on-base struggles as he advances to new levels are also well-known. Now eligible for the Rule 5 Draft, Benson will have to earn a spot on Cleveland’s 40-man roster by the end of the year, or he may be off to a new organization soon.

27. Raynel Delgado, SS
Age: 20
Highest Level: A

2021 will be a telling year for Delgado’s development. If he’s able to improve over his 2019 numbers, he’s in the mix for a future utility infield role. Considering the strong crop of infield prospects, the strikeout numbers will have to come down and the on-base numbers up before Delgado is in the running for a 25-man roster spot.

28. Jean Carlos Mejia, RHP
Age: 24
Highest Level: A+

Health concerns have followed Mejia throughout his minor league career, but signs out of the Dominican Winter League are promising. Mejia has a mid-90s fastball with solid action, and he pairs it with an above-average slider. Expect the Indians to be aggressive with Mejia’s development not only because of his age, but because he’s on the team’s 40-man roster.

29. Joey Cantillo, LHP
Age: 21
Highest Level: A+

The tall lefty is a finesse pitcher with a unique delivery he uses to get batters out. Cantillo also utilizes a sinking changeup to give batters a unique look and maintain a career K/9 rate above 10.0. Walks have been a bit of an issue throughout his career, so keep on eye on that facet of his game this year to get an idea of where Cantillo fits with the Indians’ future rotation plans.

30. Gabriel Rodriguez, SS
Age: 18
Highest Level: Rookie

Rodriguez’s ceiling remains very high, but he has a lot of work to do to achieve his potential. There’s power to unlock in his swing, and potential for a solid .280 average. His approach needs some work, as he still strikes out too much. Fortunately for Rodriguez, age is on his side: He turns 19 on February 22.

31. Richie Palacios, 2B
Age: 23
Highest Level: A

Palacios is still a wild card. He missed the 2019 season after shoulder surgery, so he hasn’t seen pitching in a live game in two years. If he can recapture his 2018 form at the plate (.361/.421/.960 across three levels), he’s another potential mover in the team’s organization.

32. Trevor Stephan, RHP
Age: 25
Highest Level: AA

Cleveland acquired Stephan from the Yankees in this year’s Rule 5 Draft. The righty has been working on his secondary offerings to complement his mid-90s fastball, which caused some minor control issues in 2019. Considering the makeup of the Indians’ rotation, Stephan figures to be a long reliever while he refines his repertoire if he winds up sticking in Cleveland.

33. Eli Morgan, RHP
Age: 24
Highest Level: AAA

Morgan spent the summer at the alternate site, continuing to work on his main strength: Control. Morgan’s low-90s fastball and strong breaking pitches remind many of Josh Tomlin. While he’ll never be an ace, Morgan is a starter who can offer a club a change-of-pace in the rotation with the accuracy to keep opposing teams off balance.

34. Ernie Clement, SS
Age: 24
Highest Level: AAA

Clement is another utility infield candidate. He’s spent his career at both middle infield spots, but don’t be surprised if the Indians get creative with his development. Much like Owen Miller, Clement is a serviceable hitter capable of flashes of brilliance: His 2019 Arizona Fall League performance cemented his place on Cleveland’ Top 50 list.

35. Jose Fermin, 2B
Age: 21
Highest Level: A

Fermin will never be a 20 HR player, but he projects well as a bottom-of-the-order hitter: He rarely strikes out and is a talented base stealer. Fermin is a strong fielder in a system full of them. He’ll have to stand out among many other top prospects to continue on his path to Cleveland.

36. Bryan Lavastida, C
Age: 22
Highest Level: A

I’m still high on Lavastida. The catcher put up exceptional numbers in 2019 in the now defunct NYPL. Lavastida converted to catcher from shortstop, so he has the athleticism to play several spots around the diamond based on the team’s needs. If he’s able to keep up his offensive numbers, Lavastida is a great sleeper candidate.

Bryan Lavastida – NYPL All-Star Game, August 21, 2019. Photo by Jim Zele, @ZelePhotography

37. Scott Moss, LHP
Age: 26
Highest Level: AAA

Moss is another future long reliever/spot starter option for the Indians. Moss has good movement on his low-90s fastball, and he keeps hitters off balance with a changeup and slider. Moss’s control slipped a bit in 2019, so he’ll have to get his walk numbers back in line to get a shot in Cleveland in 2020. Given his age, Moss has limited time left as a prospect before he needs to prove himself in the Major Leagues.

38. Carlos Vargas, RHP
Age: 21
Highest Level: A-

Vargas is another fastball-first pitcher. His primary offering sits in the high-90s, and he backs it up with an improving slider and changeup. Reports indicate his raw talent is coming together, and he’ll have the opportunity to prove himself for a full season starting in Lynchburg this year.

39. Sam Hentges, LHP
Age: 24
Highest Level: AA

Hentges figures to be another relief option for Cleveland soon. The tall lefty spent the summer at the alternate site working on his control. The knock on Hentges is a slight loss of control due to inconsistent mechanics from his three-quarter delivery. Hentges will have the chance to prove his ability to remain consistent starting in AAA Columbus this year.

40. Jose Tena, SS
Age: 19
Highest Level: Rookie

Tena has the same “problem” as Tyler Freeman: He very rarely walks, but it’s because he’s putting the ball in play. Similar to Jose Fermin, Tena is a small infielder who figures to have strong on-base numbers but limited power. He can utilize his speed as a base stealer to be a bottom-of-the-order sparkplug. He should find a home in Lynchburg to start the season.

41. Milan Tolentino, SS
Age: 19
Highest Level: High School

Another 2020 draft pick, Tolentino’s calling card is his defense. Scouts see the need for mechanical and strength improvement before Tolentino becomes a Major League-caliber hitter. Tolentino has the upside to be a regular infielder.

Tier 5:

42. Logan Allen, LHP
Age: 22
Highest Level: College

The Indians selected Allen in the second round of the 2020 draft. The FIU product comes to the organization with three solid pitches, headlined by his changeup. His upside is thought to be limited due to his stature, but with some refinements of his command, Allen could be a solid piece at the back of the rotation.

43. Marcos Gonzalez, SS
Age: 21
Highest Level: A

Gonzalez is another prospect coming back from a serious injury. He showed a good combination of on-base and power potential during his time in the AZL in 2018, so it’ll be interesting to see if he can achieve the same success over a full season.

44. Raymond Burgos, LHP
Age: 22
Highest Level: A

Burgos is another work-in-progress. Standing 6’5”, 170 lbs, Burgos is working on unlocking additional fastball velocity through improved strength. The team will work with him to improve his velocity and secondary offerings as he moves through the system.

45. Jose Pastrano, IF
Age: 18
Highest Level: 2020 international signee

The highlight of Cleveland’s 2020 international class, Pastrano is also in the mix as a future middle infielder. The only reason he hasn’t found a home higher up the list is the lost season at a critical time in his development.

46. Luis Durango, OF
Age: 17
Highest Level: 2020 international signee

Durango is in the same boat as Pastrano. Another highly regarded 2020 international signee, Durango will continue his development in the DSL after a lost 2020 season.

47. Angel Genao, SS
Age: 16
Highest Level: 2021 international signee

Genao headlines Cleveland’s 2021 international draft class. The 23rd ranked J2 prospect, Genao has a smooth swing which should translate well with improved plate discipline. He’s a strong fielder who has the potential to stick at shortstop, but he has the athleticism to play most positions.

48. Fran Alduey, SS
Age: 16
Highest Level: 2021 international signee

Alduey ranked 25th overall among 2021 J2 prospects. Another shortstop prospect, he makes consistent, solid contact with some power yet to be unlocked. Scouting reports indicate strong footwork in the field, making it likely he’ll stay on the left side of the infied.

49. Oscar Gonzalez, OF
Age: 23
Highest Level: AA

Gonzalez will need to have a solid 2021 season to stay on the list. Concerns about his strikeout and walk rates remain, however his overall hitting ability at lower levels indicates he has the potential to succeed.

50. Mason Hickman, RHP
Age: 22
Highest Level: College

The Indians’ final pick in the 2020 draft, Hickman comes from Vanderbilt’s exceptional baseball program. His velocity is limited (his fastball rarely exceeds 91), but he knows how to use it to get hitters out. Hickman possesses solid control, which will help his chances of reaching Cleveland.

Odd man out: Steven Kwan, OF
Age: 23
Highest Level: A+

While he may fall just outside the top 50, Kwan is worth mentioning on this list. The Oregon State product may not be as well-known as other OSU alumni, but he’s put up strong hitting numbers in his time with the organization. Another strong season will put him back on the list and in the mix for a future outfield spot in Cleveland.




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