Listed below are the top 5 prospects in the Cleveland Indians organization as ranked by Jason Parks and Baseball Prospectus. To view the full feature, please visit this link.
Prospect rankings primer
Last year's Indians list
The Top Ten
- SS Francisco Lindor
- OF Clint Frazier
- CF Tyler Naquin
- RHP Cody Anderson
- C Francisco Mejia
- 2B Jose Ramirez
- SS Ronny Rodriguez
- SS Dorssys Paulino
- 2B Joe Wendle
- RHP Dace Kime
1. Francisco Lindor
Position: SS
DOB: 11/14/1993
Height/Weight: 5’11” 175 lbs
Bats/Throws: B/R
Drafted/Acquired: 1st round, 2011 draft, Montverde HS (Montverde, FL)
Previous Ranking: #1 (Org), #10 (Top 101)
2013 Stats: .289/.407/.395 at Double-A Akron (21 games), .306/.373/.410 at Hi-A Carolina (83 games)
The Tools: 7 glove; 6 arm; 6+ potential hit
What Happened in 2013: As a 19-year-old, Lindor made his way to the Double-A level, showing skills on all sides of the ball and securing his status as one of the top prospects in baseball.
Strengths: Incredible instincts for the game; near elite potential with the glove; silky actions; excellent backhand pickup; range plays up; arm is plus; total package at shortstop; balanced at the plate; clean path into the ball; consistent contact from both sides of the plate; advanced approach; tracks and reacts very well; good baserunner despite average speed; makeup is plus.
Weaknesses: Hit tool might lack impact; could play below projection and play to (only) solid-average; contact can be soft and slappy; well below-average power; not a burner; doesn’t play for your team.
Overall Future Potential: 7; all-star player
Realistic Role: 6; first-division player
Risk Factor/Injury History: Moderate risk; limited Double-A experience.
Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: One of the ultimate fantasy vs. reality prospects, Lindor does not have nearly the shine in our world as he does for the Indians—unless your league counts defensive statistics. A potential .300 hitter at the major-league level, he just doesn’t project to have the power or speed at this point to have top-five shortstop upside in standard leagues. He gets a tick up in points leagues due to his approach at the plate.
The Year Ahead: Lindor is likely to reach the major-league level as a 20-year-old, as his glove is a game changer and his overall approach will make him a tough out even if the bat falls short of high-end projection. What makes Lindor special is the ease with which he plays baseball, as he shows an intrinsic feel for all aspects of the game, which could allow his already highly projected tools to play beyond their assumed limitations. He’s going to be a fixture at the major-league level for the next 15 years.
Major league ETA: 2014
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