{"id":3896,"date":"2017-08-28T20:01:50","date_gmt":"2017-08-29T01:01:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/?p=3896"},"modified":"2020-05-03T23:39:00","modified_gmt":"2020-05-04T04:39:00","slug":"cleveland-indians-2017-mid-season-top-50","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/top-50-lists\/cleveland-indians-2017-mid-season-top-50\/","title":{"rendered":"Cleveland Indians 2017 Midseason Top 50 Prospects"},"content":{"rendered":"

Very few teams that are contending in 2017 and have contended in the past 3 seasons boast top rated MiLB systems. \u00a0The Indians are one of the teams that do not. \u00a0And that is no knock on their scouting or front office. \u00a0The Indians have done a phenomenal job developing young players and plugging them into their lineup. \u00a0Guys like Kipnis, Santana, Lindor, Kluber, Allen, Zimmer, Ramirez, Salazar, and Brantley all came from the Indians minor league systems. \u00a0Due to promotions of the elite talent, drafting late and losing first rounders to free agent signings, the Indians find themselves with one of the more barren minors systems. \u00a0There are, however, some crown jewels to be found, 2 top 100 guys, and a ton of pitchers that will help the Indians contend for a few more seasons. \u00a0Here is a look at the midseason Top 50. \u00a0Before we dive in, players are ranked according to tiers listed below.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prospects1500 Tiers:
\n<\/b>Tier 1:<\/b> Players with high expectations of both making the majors and playing at an All-Star level for a number of years<\/span>
\nTier 2:<\/b> Players with an above average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor<\/span>
\nTier 3:<\/b> Players with an average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor<\/span>
\nTier 4:<\/b> 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)<\/span>
\nTier 5:<\/b> Players who are worth keeping an eye on, but likely to never make a team\u2019s 40-man roster<\/span><\/p>\n


\nTier 1
\n<\/b>1. Triston McKenzie, RHP<\/strong>
\nAge: 20 (DOB 8\/2\/1997)
\n<\/span>McKenzie shoots to the Top of the Indians organizational rankings and up to 19th in my Top 150 prospects after a stellar first half. \u00a0McKenzie projects to have 3+ pitches ranked 60 out of 80 with 60 command. \u00a0As a teenager in High A, McKenzie has dominated older competition, striking out 11.24 batters per 9.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Francisco Mejia, C<\/strong>
\n<\/span>Age: 21 (DOB 10\/27\/1995)
\n<\/span>Mejia is the top ranked prospect in the Indians by most sources. \u00a0He was #1 on our preseason Indians Top 50 prospects<\/a>. \u00a0I ranked him 2 because I am that high on McKenzie but really these guys are 1A and 1B when it comes to talent. \u00a0I have Mejia at 21st in my Top 150 and he has done nothing to disappoint this season. \u00a0Mejia’s profile comes with a 70 arm and a future 70 hit tool. \u00a0He has emerging power that should blossom as he matures and fills out. \u00a0He has matched his 2016 HR total of 11 already in AA. \u00a0As a hitter, I love his ability to put the bat on the ball posting a 12.5% K rate with a .207 ISO. \u00a0I would like to see him walk a little more as he advances through the system.<\/span><\/p>\n


\nTier 2
\n<\/b>3. Nolan Jones, 3B<\/strong>
\nAge: 20 (DOB 5\/7\/1998)
\n<\/span>Jones, the 2016 2nd round pick, struggled in his pro debut in 2016 but showed enough signs of advanced maturity with a 17.6% BB rate that the Indians sent the 19 year old to Low A instead of Rookie Ball for his 2nd pro season. \u00a0He hasn’t disappointed improving his K % to 21.5% while maintaining an excellent 16.5% BB rate. \u00a0He has also posted a respectable 135 wRC+ and a .392 OBP. \u00a0While the power has yet to arrive, Jones projects as a future 50 game power and 60 raw power with a 55 hit tool. \u00a0His BB rate suggests that he has a plan at the plate and knows how to work the count. \u00a0As he matures, he should be a mainstay in the Indians top 3 prospects.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Bobby Bradley, 1B<\/strong>
\nAge: 21 (DOB 5\/29\/1996)
\n<\/span>Bradley’s biggest tool is his power, graded at 60 raw power and a future 60 for game power. \u00a0He has slugged 18 HR for AA Akron while reducing his K% from 29.7 in 2016 to 23.1 in 17. \u00a0While neither number is particularly good, Bradley is at least trending in the right direction. \u00a0He will remain limited by his inability to play anywhere other than 1B\/DH and could be a platoon candidate as evidenced by his .534 OPS against lefties.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Yu-Cheng Chang, SS<\/strong>
\nAge: 21 (DOB 8\/18\/1995)
\n<\/span>Cheng has a unique power-speed profile at SS that makes him an intriguing prospect. \u00a0Like Bradley, he lacks sufficient ability to make consistent contact to be a top 100 prospect but when he does barrell balls, he does so with a purpose. \u00a0He has a .244 ISO with a career high 19 HR and 10 SB. \u00a0His K rate has risen from 23.1% to 26.7% and his .221 batting average is likely due less to his increased K rate and more to his career low .258 BABIP. \u00a0With Lindor manning SS for the foreseeable future, Chang could be an intriguing trade piece to bolster the MLB lineup or could be in line for a position change to 3B. \u00a0His 20 errors suggest a probable position change anyways.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Yandy Diaz, 3B<\/strong>
\nAge: 25 (DOB 8\/8\/1991)
\n<\/span>Diaz was given the nod as the Indians opening day starter at 3B but faltered in 18 games hitting .203 and striking out 17 times. \u00a0That isn’t his game though and when he returned to AAA Columbus, he put on a hitting display slashing .350\/.454\/.460. \u00a0He will never hit for big power but his ability to play all over the field and put together good at bats and get on base should warrant at least a utility role with the big club<\/span><\/p>\n


\nTier 3
\n<\/b>7. Willi Castro, SS<\/strong>
\nAge: 20 (DOB 4\/24\/1997)
\n<\/span>Castro has slashed .289\/.337\/.422 in High A, partly due to a .346 BABIP. \u00a0While the average may be a bit of anomaly and not part of his overall game, like Chang, he has the ability to barrell the ball and do damage. \u00a0His 10 HR are a new career high and his 17 SB paces him for another 20 SB season. \u00a0Like most young hitters, Castro is impatient and likes to swing the bat which could lead to prolonged slumps against better pitching. \u00a0He has walked in 5.6% of his ABs while striking out 18.7 %. \u00a0More importantly, he has shown the ability to get better as he matures.<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Shane Bieber, SP<\/strong>
\nAge: 22 (DOB 5\/31\/1995)
\n<\/span>Bieber has a durable build and has shown the ability to command 3 pitches. \u00a0While scouts seem bullish on his stuff, his elite command has allowed him to excel at 3 stops this year. \u00a0Currently in AA, Bieber has combined to throw 160.1 IP while only walking 9. \u00a0He will scatter hits but so far has shown an ability to keep the ball in the yard. \u00a0He should move fast through the Indians system and provide end of the rotation depth while eating innings.<\/span><\/p>\n

9. Aaron Civale, SP<\/strong>
\nAge: 22 (DOB 6\/12\/1995)
\n<\/span>Civale’s bread and butter is his control. \u00a0In 157.2 IP between A\/A+, Civale has walked 14 hitters. \u00a0His fastball is average at best but he features a 60 grade slider and \u00a0keeps the ball low in the zone, inducing a 50% GB rate. \u00a0If he can continue to pound the zone and keep the ball low, Civale can crack the back end of a MLB rotation and be an effective starter.<\/span><\/p>\n

10. Conner Capel, OF<\/strong>
\nAge: 20 (DOB 5\/19\/1997)
\n<\/span>Capel has flashed his power this season, slugging 22 HR in A ball. \u00a0He has a long left handed swing that is succeptible to offspeed pitches, striking out 101 times in 112 games. \u00a0His BB rate is improving and he sports an impressive .233 ISO. \u00a0If he can keep the swing short and increase his fly ball rate, the power numbers could improve as well as his .250 batting average. \u00a0Capel has been on a tear in August, posting a 1.016 OPS with 6 HR.<\/span><\/p>\n

11. Greg Allen, OF<\/strong>
\n<\/span>Age: 24 (DOB 3\/15\/1993)
\n<\/span>Allen excelled in 2016 slashing .295\/.416\/.413 between A+\/AA but injuries have derailed his season. \u00a0After missing nearly 2 months, Allen is back in AA trying to regain his form. \u00a0While he’ll probably never hit for a lot of power, Allen will need to get back to being an OBP machine in order to climb the rankings. \u00a0He has stolen 23 bases in only 72 games and remains one of the best defensive CF in the game.<\/span><\/p>\n

12. George Valera, OF<\/strong>
\n<\/span>Age: 16 (DOB 11\/13\/2001)
\n<\/span>Call me crazy and some of you will, but how can I rank an unproven 16 year old this high? \u00a0I’ll let<\/span> Ben Badler of Baseball America<\/span><\/a> do the work for me. \u00a0Valera is this high partly because Badler’s assessment and mainly because from here on, we will profile a lot of back of the rotation, middle reliever, utility guys and underperformers with ridiculously high K rates. \u00a0By the way, Badler had me at Juan Soto.<\/span><\/p>\n

13. Will Benson, OF<\/strong>
\n<\/span>Age: 19 (DOB 6\/16\/1998)
\n<\/span>Benson, the 14th pick in the the 2016 draft, is the best athlete in the Indians system and one of the better overall athletes in the minors. \u00a0He rates a 70 raw power with 55 speed and a 60 arm from the OF. \u00a0His long swing makes him susceptible to strikeouts, posting a 35% K rate in 17 and 32% in 16. \u00a0One encouraging note as Benson adjusts to pro ball as a teenager is his 12% BB rate over 2 years. \u00a0Of all the players in the system, he has the best chance to rise through the rankings if he can keep his swing short to the ball and let his overall strength work in his favor. \u00a0This is the type of guy that can shorten his swing and lose none of his power. \u00a0He may be the most intriguing player to follow because if he can make the sort of adjustments that Aaron Judge made this past offseason, no ballpark will hold him. \u00a0However, if the swing stays long, I expect his average and OBP to remain sub par with flashes of premium power.<\/span><\/p>\n

14. Tyler Freeman, SS<\/strong>
\n<\/span>Age: 18 (DOB 5\/21\/1999)
\n<\/span>Freeman was the Tribe’s CBB pick in 2017 and has shown a good ability to adjust to pro pitching in a small sample size in the Arizona League. \u00a0He has hit .316 with 11 XBH in 114 at bats. \u00a0He fits the profile of other aggressive Indians hitters that would rather swing the bat than work the count. \u00a0Despite just the 1 BB, Freeman has shown signs of being a mature hitter with 65% of his batted balls going to center\/right. \u00a0The whole field approach will serve him well as he continues to grow and fill out.<\/span><\/p>\n

15. Quentin Holmes, OF<\/strong>
\nAge: 18 (DOB 7\/7\/1999)
\n<\/span>The Indians lost their first round pick in 2017 when they signed Edwin Encarnacion. \u00a0With their first pick, the 55th overall, they took Holmes. \u00a0Holmes has one elite tool which gives him the ability to affect games and have a long MLB career. \u00a0That tool is 80 grade speed. \u00a0So far in his pro-debut, he has been overmatched at the plate with a sub .200 average and a .236 OBP. \u00a0Much more concerning is his 54 strikeouts to 7 BB. \u00a0I try not to put too much stock in an 18 year old’s first exposure to pro ball but the inability to barrell balls and draw walks is a bit concerning and could negate his 80 speed.<\/span><\/p>\n


\nTier 4
\n<\/b>16. Julian Merryweather, RHP<\/strong>
\nAge: 25 (DOB 10\/14\/1991)
\n<\/span>Merryweather has seen his stock soar in 2017 after posting solid numbers in AA Akron and earning a promotion to AAA. \u00a0Merryweather has the ability to generate strikeouts and groundballs but neither at an elite level. \u00a0Like Civale and Beiber, he relies on controlling the zone and mixing his pitches to keep hitters off balance. \u00a0At first glance, his AAA numbers look a bit ugly, but he has still induced a similar GB % to his AA success with the one glaring difference being a BABIP 100 points higher suggesting a little bit of bad luck in such small sample size.<\/span><\/p>\n

17. Mitch Longo, OF<\/strong>
\nAge: 22 (DOB 1\/22\/1995)
\n<\/span>Longo is a guy that I haven’t seen on any prospect list and the 14th round pick in 2016 has done nothing but hit since signing last summer. \u00a0He is slashing .365\/.429\/.538 with an elite 14.6% K rate. \u00a0In an organization with so many swing and miss players, Longo is a breath of fresh air. \u00a0While he may not project out to be a power hitter, he displays gap power with a good ability to get his pitch and drive it.<\/span><\/p>\n

18. Shawn Morimando, LHP<\/strong>
\nAge: 24 (DOB 11\/20\/1992)
\n<\/span>Morimando is a durable lefty that projects to be a swing starter or bullpen lefty. \u00a0He has some good tools but lacks an out pitch, relying on inducing weak contact. \u00a0He will give up his fair share of hits but his track record suggests an ability to scatter hits as opposed to give up the hits in bunches. \u00a0He will have to keep the ball in the park to truly be an effective end of the rotation starter.<\/span><\/p>\n

19. Eric Haase, 1B<\/strong>
\nAge: 24 (DOB 12\/18\/1992)
\n<\/span>Haase is a bit of late bloomer at the age of 24 and repeating AA. \u00a0Always known as a power guy, Haase has benefited from an improving walk rate and tweaks to his powerful swing to increase his launch angle. \u00a0While he will never be a high average or OBP guy, he has emerged as a guy that can steal some at bats at 1B and DH if he continues to show improved patience and ability to hit around .250-.260 against elite pitching. \u00a0He reminds me of Justin Bour. \u00a0Completely under the radar player that has emerged as an everyday MLB player that can do some damage with the long ball.<\/span><\/p>\n

20. Oscar Gonzalez, OF<\/strong>
\nAge: 19 (DOB 1\/10\/1998)
\n<\/span>Continuing the run of teenage outfielders, Gonzalez hit the radar of prospect hounds in 2016 posting a .262 ISO, 148 wRC+, and slashing .303\/.342\/.566 in 40 games at the Rookie level. \u00a0Promoted to Low A, Gonzalez has reduced his K rate from 36% to 24% but seen his power all but disappear, slugging .372. \u00a0Gonzalez is an aggressive hitter that likes to swing the bat. \u00a0The 2016 power spike may be deceiving and I’m not sure what type of hitter he will be. \u00a0He is pulling the ball less than in 2016 and his GB\/FB rate is similar to last season. \u00a0He is hitting more to the opposite field showing maturity not often found in teenagers. \u00a0With that being said, Gonzalez is still hitting .275 so the tools to adjust to more experienced pitching appear to be there. \u00a0He is definitely a young guy to keep an eye on.<\/span><\/p>\n

21. Ernie Clement, 2B<\/strong>
\n<\/span>Age: 21 (DOB 3\/22\/1996)
\n<\/span>Clement, the 2017 4th rounder, is a strong contact hitter that offers very little in the way of power. \u00a0He has struck out only 11 times in his first 146 AB’s as a pro. \u00a0He profiles as a utility guy that will put together good at bats and offer average speed on the base paths.<\/span><\/p>\n

22. Gabriel Mejia, OF<\/strong>
\nAge: 22 (DOB 7\/30\/1995)
\n<\/span>Mejia’s stock has taken a hit in 2017 as he has struggled to replicate his numbers from the lower levels of the minors. \u00a0Going into 2017, Mejia had hit over .300 in each of his first 3 pro seasons but has dipped to .223\/.281\/.259 in 40 games in A ball. \u00a0Injuries have sidetracked this season limiting him to the low total of games played and he has a chance to finish strong during the last month of the season. \u00a0He has a future 50 hit tool to go with 80 speed. \u00a0If he can get back on track and start increasing his BB rate, he will be a force on the basepaths.<\/span><\/p>\n

23. Ryan Merritt, LHP<\/strong>
\nAge: 25 (DOB 2\/21\/1992)
\n<\/span>No matter what Merritt does in his career, he has etched his name into the heart’s of all Indians’ fans after his playoff performance in 2016. \u00a0He has followed that up with a solid season at AAA posting a 3.00 ERA and 89 K’s in 123 IP. \u00a0Merritt doesn’t have one elite out pitch in his arsenal and relies on mixing his pitches and limiting base runners. \u00a0Like other Indians’ pitchers listed, his excellent command makes up for his lack of stuff. \u00a0Merritt has a good shot to secure an end of the rotation spot in 2018 and if he can limit the HR ball (19 this season) he can be effective.<\/span><\/p>\n

24. Sicnarf Loopstok, C<\/strong>
\nAge: 24 (DOB 4\/26\/1993)
\n<\/span>Loopstok came into the season with 12 career HR in 4 seasons as a backup player. \u00a0Finally receiving a chance to start, Loopstok has made the most of it, slugging 17 HR while slashing .255\/.348\/.470. \u00a0He also put a show on in the Carolina League HR Derby crushing 30 bombs before finishing runner up to Jake Gatewood. \u00a0Power hitting catchers tend to find roles on MLB teams.<\/span><\/p>\n

25. Ka\u2019ai Tom, OF<\/strong>
\n<\/span>Age: 23 (DOB 5\/29\/1994)
\n<\/span>Tom is an intriguing prospect on a loaded Lynchburg team. \u00a0He is one of the few dual threat players posting 10 HR and 23 SB. \u00a0Tom\u2019s power should develop as he continues to mature. \u00a0In addition to his 10 HR, besting his career total of 4, he has also added 30 doubles and 5 triples with a .160 ISO. \u00a0His .300 BABIP suggest that he has hit into a bit of bad luck, especially considering his 25% line drive rate.<\/span><\/p>\n

26. Elijah Morgan, RHP<\/strong>
\n<\/span>Age: 21 (DOB 5\/13\/1996)
\n<\/span>Morgan, the team\u2019s 8th round selection in the 2017 draft out of Gonzaga has dominated pro ball since making his debut this summer. \u00a0Morgan has struck out 49 hitters in 28.1 IP with only 7 BB, posting an impressive 0.64 ERA. \u00a0Morgan, only 5\u201910, commands the zone and mixes his pitches well. \u00a0He has a plus plus changeup to go along with an 88-91 FB that sinks.
\n<\/span>
\n27. Rob Kaminsky, LHP<\/strong>
\n<\/span>Age: 22 (DOB 9\/2\/1994)
\n<\/span>The former 1st round pick in 2013 and Baseball America Top 100 prospect has seen his organizational ranking plummet due to injuries and a low K rate. \u00a0Acquired for Brandon Moss at the 2015 trade deadline from St. Louis, Kaminsky posted solid numbers in 2016 at AA. \u00a0Arm injuries have limited him to just one appearance and 5 IP in 2017.<\/span><\/p>\n

28. Luke Wakamatsu, SS<\/strong>
\nAge: 20 (DOB 10\/10\/1996)
\n<\/span>Don\u2019s son, a switch hitting SS, boast an excellent baseball IQ and a projectable 6\u20193 195 lb frame. \u00a0He has shown good pop in his first full season, hitting 11 HR, most from the left side. \u00a0Wakamatsu has the defensive tools to stick at SS and should continue to add in game power to his profile as he grows.<\/span><\/p>\n

29. Mike Papi, OF<\/strong>
\nAge: 24 (DOB 9\/19\/1992)
\n<\/span>Papi has shown a good ability to work counts and take his walks. \u00a0In 2017, Papi posted a career best .267 average at AA Akron before his promotion to AAA. \u00a0He has continued to show signs of power as well with 11 HR following a career high 15 in 2016. \u00a0Papi profiles as a 4th OF who has the ability to get on base and provide some pop off the bench.<\/span><\/p>\n

30. Adam Plutko, RHP<\/strong>
\nAge: 25 (DOB 10\/3\/1991)
\n<\/span>Plutko splashed onto the prospect radar in 2016 with a combined 130 K in 160 IP between AA\/AAA. \u00a02017 hasn’t been so kind. \u00a0While Plutko has made his MLB debut in 2017, he has struggled mightily in AAA posting a 6.14 ERA in 129 IP. \u00a0Plutko has been hit hard as well to the tune of a .295 AVG against. \u00a0Between the numbers, Plutko has still been bad. \u00a06.77 K\/9, 3.63 BB\/9, 4.85 xFIP.<\/span><\/p>\n

31. Tyler Krieger, 2B<\/strong>
\n<\/span>Age: <\/span>23<\/span> (DOB 1\/<\/span>16\/1994)
\n<\/span>Krieger had an impressive debut in pro ball in 2016 hitting .299 between Lake County and Lynchburg but has struggled against the advanced pitching of the Eastern League. \u00a0The switch hitting infielder has hit only .227 and is drawing fewer walks leading to a paltry .303 OBP. \u00a0Krieger is a gap hitter with above average speed but doesn\u2019t project to grow into a double digit HR threat. Much like the other hitters mentioned, Krieger will have to improve his contact rate in order to advance through the system. He currently has 39 BB to 101 K in 112 games.<\/span><\/p>\n

32. Ulysses Cantu, 1B<\/strong>
\nAge: 19 (DOB 5\/1\/1998)
\n<\/span>Cantu has had a solid season slashing .256\/.324\/.364 in Low A with 4 HR in 195 plate appearances. \u00a0Numbers that were much better before a .155\/.296\/.172 August. \u00a0His average benefits from a .351 BABIP and his 28% K rate fits the theme of the Indians hitters. \u00a0Low walk rates, high K rates and intriguing raw power. \u00a0\u00a0He lacks speed and is limited defensively which could make it tough for him to crack the MLB lineup in a few years.<\/span><\/p>\n

33. Brady Aiken, LHP<\/strong>
\n<\/span>Age: 21 (DOB 8\/16\/1996)
\n<\/span>The former number one overall pick in the draft and 2x 1st rounder has really struggled coming back from Tommy John. \u00a0Aiken has logged 121 IP and remained healthy throughout 2017. \u00a0That\u2019s the good news. \u00a0The bad news: \u00a0Aiken has posted a 0.84 K\/BB rate, 6.84 BB\/9 and a 5.53 xFIP. \u00a0What is even more concerning though is the drop in velocity. \u00a0When the Astros made Aiken the top pick in the draft, he was throwing 96-97 mph. \u00a0This season has seen Aiken\u2019s FB sit at 90-92. \u00a0He is still young and he is still raw and if anything can be said that would give Indians fans hope, it\u2019s that in Aiken\u2019s 25 starts, he has given up 2 ER of fewer in 16 of them. \u00a0When he has been bad, he\u2019s been really bad and when he has been good, he has still struggled with walks, limiting his effectiveness and ability to pitch deep into games.<\/span><\/p>\n

34. Juan Hillman, LHP<\/strong>
\nAge: 20 (DOB 5\/15\/1997)
\n<\/span>The Indians selected Hillman in the 2nd rd. of the 2015 draft. \u00a0Entering his 3rd pro season, Hillman has seen his ERA rise each year from 4.13 to 4.43 to 5.83. \u00a0At only 20, the lefty is one of the younger players in the Midwest League, and has struggled to command the zone. \u00a0He relies on keeping hitters off balance with a changeup that scouts have rated as a future grade 60. \u00a0Like Aiken, Hillman is young enough to get back on track and could shoot up the organizational rankings if he can improve his 2.16 K\/BB rate.<\/span><\/p>\n

35. Dalbert Siri, RHP<\/strong>
\nAge: 22 (DOB 7\/19\/1995)
\n<\/span>Siri, a relief pitcher, makes this list for one reason. \u00a0A 14.56 K\/9 in 38 innings out of the Lake County bullpen. \u00a0Siri has been nearly unhittable posting a .184 Avg. against but has struggled with his command. \u00a0Throughout his young career, Siri has walked 55 hitters in 103.1 IP. \u00a0However, if he can harnass his premium stuff and limit the free passes, he could be a major piece in the back end of the Indians bullpen.<\/span><\/p>\n

36. Li-Jen Chu, C<\/strong>
\nAge: 23 (DOB 3\/13\/1994)
\n<\/span>Much like Loopstok, Chu has come out of nowhere and has increased his stock with a .262\/.332\/.414 slash line with 15 HR and 21 doubles. \u00a0That is excellent production from the catcher position. \u00a0Coming into 2017, Chu had just hit 7 HR and it remains to be seen if the power will translate against advanced pitching.
\n<\/span>
\n37. Erik Gonzalez, SS<\/strong>
\nAge: 25 (DOB 8\/31\/1991)
\n<\/span>Gonzalez, soon to turn 26, has spent an extended time on the MLB roster in 2017 as a utility player. \u00a0He is the definition of Tier 4 as his tools are enough to keep him as a viable utility option but nothing more. \u00a0Gonzalez is versatile and has good speed but offers very little at the plate. \u00a0In 81 at bats for the Indians, he has recorded just one BB to go with 29 K.<\/span><\/p>\n

38. Ronny Rodriguez, 2B<\/strong>
\nAge: 25 (DOB 4\/17\/1992)
\n<\/span>Rodriguez is a bit old to be taken seriously as a true prospect, but in his second season at AAA Columbus, he has been one of the better hitters in the lineup. \u00a0He is slashing .296\/.328\/.473 with 17 HR and 12 SB. \u00a0His BB rate and K rate are similar to 2016 despite improving his average 40 points and increasing his HR total by 7.<\/span><\/p>\n

39. Mark Mathias, 2B<\/strong>
\nAge: 23 (DOB 8\/2\/1994)
\n<\/span>Mathias, much like Kaminsky, has endured a frustrating 2017 season, limited by a shoulder injury. \u00a0While Mathias doesn\u2019t have great in game power, he did amass 40 doubles in 2016. \u00a0When healthy, Mathias uses the whole field and boasts a strong eye and ability to go deep into counts. \u00a0He will need to hit consistently to develop into a MLB regular.<\/span><\/p>\n

40. Logan Ice, C<\/strong>
\n<\/span>Age: 22 (DOB 5\/27\/1995)
\n<\/span>Ice has shown a little bit of pop this year with 10 HR but his inability to make consistent contact has hurt his average. \u00a0His .354 slugging percentage leaves a lot to be desired and implies that while Ice can hit mistakes out of the park, he lacks the ability to consistently drive the ball. \u00a0\u00a0Still, switch hitting catchers can be hot commodities.<\/span><\/p>\n

41. Gregori Vasquez, RHP<\/strong>
\nAge: 19 (DOB 9\/8\/1997)
\n<\/span>Vasquez has shown good poise for a young pitcher, dominating at Mahoning Valley in Short Season A ball, posting a 1.98 ERA and 0.97 WHIP. \u00a0The RH has a 6\u20191 lanky frame and has excelled at generating groundballs, inducing 41% GB and 45% of batted balls pulled. \u00a0While his WHIP and avg. against are low, Vasquez\u2019s best work has come with runners on base, stranding a whopping 86%. \u00a0As Vasquez progresses through the system, it will be interesting to see how advanced hitters approach him and the adjustments he will have to make.<\/span><\/p>\n

42. Aaron Bracho, SS<\/strong>
\n<\/span>Age: 16 (DOB 4\/24\/2001)
\n<\/span>The Indians signed Bracho out of Venezuela at the July 2, 2017 deadline, giving the switch hitter a $1.5 million signing bonus. \u00a0Scouts believe he will end up at 2B before all is said and done and grade his hit tool and power at average to above average. \u00a0Bracho\u2019s power is described as gap power at this point.<\/span><\/p>\n

43. James Karinchak, RHP<\/strong>
\n<\/span>Age: 21 (DOB 9\/22\/1995)
\n<\/span>The Indians selected Karinchak with their 9th round pick in the 2017 draft. \u00a0The college arm out of Bryant has a plus fastball that sits in the low 90\u2019s but can hit 96 if he needs to. \u00a0Karinchak also posses a good 12 to 6 curve. \u00a0He will need to refine his changeup to be an effective SP option and improve his control. \u00a0So far, he has walked 9 hitters in just 21.2 IP at Mahoning Valley.<\/span><\/p>\n

44. Eric Stamets, SS<\/strong>
\nAge: 25 (DOB 9\/25\/1991)
\n<\/span>Stamets has added in game power to his profile in 2017, doubling his previous career high in HR of 7 with 15 HR. \u00a0His 25 doubles and .810 OPS make him an intriguing prospect. \u00a0At 25, Stamets can hardly be considered a prospect, but power production from a SS is a commodity that a lot of teams do not possess.<\/span><\/p>\n

45. Dorssys Paulino, OF<\/strong>
\n<\/span>Age: 22 (DOB 11\/21\/1994)
\n<\/span>Paulino is another hitter in the organization that saw a modicum of success at the plate in A ball that has struggled in AA. \u00a0After hitting .297 with 23 XBH in 64 games, Paulino has struggled in 2017. \u00a0He is slashing .238\/.330\/.339 with 17 XBH in 86 games.<\/span><\/p>\n

46. Marcos Gonzalez, SS<\/strong>
\nAge: 17 (DOB 10\/12\/1999)
\n<\/span>Gonzalez was signed for $250K at the July 2, 2016 deadline. \u00a0He has a compact swing from the right side and has shown an ability to consistently barrel the ball. \u00a0While I don\u2019t put much stock in stats in the Dominican Summer League, Gonzalez, has posted a .371 OBP with 31 BB to 28K and 13 SB.<\/span><\/p>\n

47. Nellie Rodriguez, 1B<\/strong>
\nAge: 23 (DOB 6\/12\/1994)
\n<\/span>Rodriguez has big time power and big time swing and miss that makes him a risky player. \u00a0Since his first full season in 2014, he has slugged 20+ HR each season. \u00a0In the lower levels of the minors, Rodriguez was able to overcome the K\u2019s and post respectable averages and OBPs. \u00a0However, 2017, has been a different story. \u00a0Rodriguez has struck out 170 times in 354 at bats in AAA. \u00a0His .598 OPS and .265 OBP are last in the International League.<\/span><\/p>\n


\nTier 5<\/strong>
\n48. Emmanuel Tapia, 1B<\/strong>
\n<\/span>Age: 21 (DOB 2\/26\/1996)
\n<\/span>Tapia has hit a career high 26 HR in 2017 at Lake County. \u00a0That\u2019s the good news. \u00a0The bad news is that he has struck out 169 times in 426 at bats. \u00a0Much like Rodriguez, the swing and miss will hold Tapia back from progressing through the system. \u00a0Tapia will need to shorten his swing and sacrifice some power, which he has enough to spare, to compete against advanced pitching.<\/span><\/p>\n

49. Luigi Rodriguez, OF<\/strong>
\n<\/span>Age: 24 (DOB 11\/13\/1992)
\n<\/span>Rodriguez has posted a solid .284\/.325\/.500 line with 12 HR and 21 doubles for Akron. \u00a0Rodriguez has moved slowly through the system and profiles as a 4th OF. \u00a0He has above average speed and like most of the hitters in the system, is limited by strike outs and low BB totals.<\/span><\/p>\n

50. Jean Carlos Mejia, RHP<\/strong>
\n<\/span>Age: 21 (DOB 8\/26\/1996)
\n<\/span>Mejia is a high octane RP that has punched out 42 hitters in 30.2 IP while converting 8 saves in just as many opportunities. \u00a0The K rate is up from his previous 3 seasons in the Dominican Summer League so it is worth keeping an eye on if he can sustain his 2017 success over the course of a full season.<\/span>
\nAll things considered, the Indians still have a formidable system with a lot of usable pieces. \u00a0McKenzie and Mejia lead the pack and look to be legit all stars at their positions. \u00a0Cleveland has a lot of swing and miss guys on the offensive side that have struggled with promotions to AA\/AAA after successful 2016 campaigns. \u00a0On the mound, Beiber, Civale, and Morgan are 3 guys that know how to pitch and command the strike zone as well any prospect in the game.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Very few teams that are contending in 2017 and have contended in the past 3 seasons boast top rated MiLB systems. \u00a0The Indians are one […]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":46,"featured_media":338,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10,136,16,1457,40],"tags":[1960,1935,1664,1421,1193,69,1936,1953,1963,1948,1966,1716,1962,1955,1944,387,1945,1938,1937,1959,1961,1968,1194,1941,1947,1954,1958,1967,1949,1964,1957,1950,132,1942,1965,1933,1943,1547,1195,1956,1192,1934,1197,1946,394,390,1940,1951,1952,1939,1567,391,1756],"yoast_head":"\nCleveland Indians 2017 Midseason Top 50 Prospects<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/top-50-lists\/cleveland-indians-2017-mid-season-top-50\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Cleveland Indians 2017 Midseason Top 50 Prospects\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Very few teams that are contending in 2017 and have contended in the past 3 seasons boast top rated MiLB systems. \u00a0The Indians are one [...]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/top-50-lists\/cleveland-indians-2017-mid-season-top-50\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"http:\/\/facebook.com\/Prospects1500\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2017-08-29T01:01:50+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2020-05-04T04:39:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Cleveland_Indians_insignia.svg_.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"534\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Jason Woodell\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@JasonAtTheGame\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@Prospects1500\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Jason Woodell\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"23 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/top-50-lists\/cleveland-indians-2017-mid-season-top-50\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/top-50-lists\/cleveland-indians-2017-mid-season-top-50\/\",\"name\":\"Cleveland Indians 2017 Midseason Top 50 Prospects\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/top-50-lists\/cleveland-indians-2017-mid-season-top-50\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/top-50-lists\/cleveland-indians-2017-mid-season-top-50\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Cleveland_Indians_insignia.svg_.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2017-08-29T01:01:50+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2020-05-04T04:39:00+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/#\/schema\/person\/69d5260df0effafb9831a3d1f36c619e\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/top-50-lists\/cleveland-indians-2017-mid-season-top-50\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/top-50-lists\/cleveland-indians-2017-mid-season-top-50\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/top-50-lists\/cleveland-indians-2017-mid-season-top-50\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Cleveland_Indians_insignia.svg_.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Cleveland_Indians_insignia.svg_.png\",\"width\":800,\"height\":534},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/top-50-lists\/cleveland-indians-2017-mid-season-top-50\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Cleveland Indians 2017 Midseason Top 50 Prospects\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/\",\"name\":\"\",\"description\":\"Your comprehensive dynasty league resource - 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