CLEVELAND, OH — Indians Opening Day is just 25 days away, as the Tribe look to win their fourth AL Central title in five seasons.
They began to retool the roster 16 months ago. Since then, they won 93 games and cut the payroll significantly.
They didn’t make the playoffs in 2019, but their roster is much younger than it was a few years ago. They also have plenty of talent in their minor league system according to Jim Callis of MLB.com.
Callis says a “wave of talent” should hit Progressive Field over the next few years. He raves about the youngsters in the farm system and believes the Indians' minor league talent is stronger than it has been in a decade.
The Indians had 14 pitchers (11 right-handers) make the top 30. Their ability to find and develop young arms is one of their best organizational traits.
Callis also points out that seven of the Indians' 10 best prospects are 20-years-old or younger.
Third baseman Nolan Jones (21) sits at the top of the list. The Indians invited Jones to his first big-league camp this season. He’s made one start for the Tribe in Cactus League play this spring.
Shortstop Tyler Freeman (20), who could end up being Francisco Lindor's successor, is second on the list. He split time in Class-A Lynchburg and Lake County last season.
Right-hander James Karinchak made the biggest leap on the list, moving from No. 30 to No. 14 this season. He made five appearances in the big leagues last season, allowing one run in 5⅓ innings. The Indians are expected to rely on Karinchak in 2020. The young flamethrower is known for his hard fastball (95-99 mph) and curveball.
Here are the Indians' top 30 prospects according to MLB.com:
- 3B Nolan Jones
- SS Tyler Freeman
- C Bo Naylor
- OF George Valera
- RHP Daniel Espino
- SS Brayan Rocchio
- 2B Aaron Bracho
- RHP Ethan Hankins
- RHP Triston McKenzie
- SS/3B Gabriel Rodriguez
- LHP Logan Allen
- 1B Bobby Bradley
- OF Daniel Johnson
- RHP James Karinchak
- RHP Emmanuel Clase
- INF Angel Martinez
- RHP Carlos Vargas
- LHP Scott Moss
- RHP Luis Oviedo
- SS Jose Tena
- INF Yu Chang
- LHP Sam Hentges
- RHP Lenny Torres
- RHP Nick Sandlin
- OF Will Benson
- RHP Jean Carlos Mejia
- RHP Cody Morris
- SS Ernie Clement
- OF Oscar Gonzalez
- C Yainer Diaz
