X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Cleveland Indians: Top 10 Dynasty Prospects

fantasy baseball prospects MLB prospects rookies call-ups

Marc Hulet ranks the Top 10 prospects in the Cleveland Indians' system for 2020 fantasy baseball dynasty leagues. All 10 players also appear among the best 250 dynasty prospects in all of baseball.

We continue our look of the best prospects in each MLB team's farm system with the Cleveland Indians. Once the 2020 MLB season begins, it may turn out that Minor League systems will be more important than usual. Franchises are losing money during the pandemic layoff, so many teams will be looking for sources of cheap production. It might also take older players longer to rebound from a long layoff meaning we could see more injuries and more roster moves. We might even see expanded rosters, at least in the early going.

One important question to ask is: How will a long layoff affect prospects? One has to assume the more advanced prospects prior to the work stoppage will be at an advantage, while the more “toolsy but raw” type could be hurt with the lack of repetition and in-game action; throwing or hitting in simulated environments just doesn’t match up to the real thing. Many prospects will have to work jobs during the pandemic just to make ends meet, while players who signed for large bonuses will have an advantage. Other prospects that lack strong discipline and commitment to their craft could struggle to stay in shape.

We won’t really know what the layoff impact will have on baseball in general until things start ramping up. But we do know that a strong prospect pool will continue to be an important element for a successful baseball franchise. We're looking at the Top 10 (or more) dynasty prospects in each organization with an eye to discovering which organizations are best positioned to succeed with their player development when games resume. Make sure to check out all of our prospect content, including Top 50 for 2020 and Top 250 for Dynasty Leagues.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Quick Synopsis

Cleveland’s system has some intriguing young players, but the majority of the talent is found below Double-A. It’s a middle-of-the-pack system that could trend up quickly if some of the players develop as the organization hopes.

 

1. Nolan Jones, 3B

Dynasty Prospect Rank: 28
2020 LEVEL: AA
MLB ETA: 2021

Raw power and strong on-base numbers are Jones’ calling cards. To fully tap into his potential, the young infielder needs to make adjustments to his swing to hit balls in the air more consistently. He also needs to be a little less passive at the plate as he can let too many hittable pitches go by, which leads to high strikeout rates. Over the past two seasons, he’s walked 185 times but also struck out 279 times in 246 games.

 

2. George Valera, OF

Dynasty Prospect Rank: 60
2020 LEVEL: A-
MLB ETA: 2023

Valera held his own in 2019 as an 18-year-old playing against mostly college graduates in short-season A ball. He struggled to hit for average against the much older pitching last season, but showed a solid approach at the plate and should hit for a good batting average in time. He’s also willing to work the count and has the potential to hit 20-30 home runs in a season as he matures.

 

3. Triston McKenzie, RHP

Dynasty Prospect Rank: 89
2020 LEVEL: A+
MLB ETA: 2021

Based on talent alone, McKenzie could be first on this list. He’s very athletic with an excellent pitcher’s frame, but repeated injuries have clouded his future. McKenzie hasn’t thrown a competitive pitch since mid-2018 due to forearm and serious back issues. At this point, he’s a wild card.

 

4. Brayan Rocchio, SS

Dynasty Prospect Rank: 116
2020 LEVEL: A-
MLB ETA: 2022

I expected a huge breakout season from Rocchio in 2019. He’s shown flashes of being a plus hitter, but he struggled out of the gate as an 18-year-old in short-season A ball. The encouraging news is that he was able to make adjustments and hit .283 with a .763 OPS in the final month of the 2019 season against much older competition. He has plus bat speed and could become a home run threat as his body matures.

 

5. Bobby Bradley, 1B

Dynasty Prospect Rank: 125
2020 LEVEL: AAA
MLB ETA: 2020

Bradley put an exclamation mark on his fifth straight Minor League season with at least 23 home runs by breaking the 30-homer mark for the first time. He’s one of the strongest players in the Minors and if he ever clues in that he doesn’t have to sell out for his power, he could be a solid big league contributor. However, he currently strikes out far too much and whiffed at a 33% clip at Triple-A in 2019. His willingness to take a walk helps offset the low batting average and gives him additional value in on-base leagues.

 

6. Tyler Freeman, 2B/SS

Dynasty Prospect Rank: 134
2020 LEVEL: AA
MLB ETA: 2021

Just 20 years old, Freeman is already pushing for a promotion to Double-A. He has average tools across the board, save for his plus hitting ability which has helped him hit more than .300 as a pro. Freeman isn’t flashy, but he could hit .280 or better for 30+ doubles, 10-15 home runs, and a handful of steals upon his eventual arrival.

 

7. Aaron Bracho, 2B

Dynasty Prospect Rank: 149
2020 LEVEL: A-
MLB ETA: 2022

Bracho is similar to Freeman in that he’s a well-rounded player with mostly average tools across the board. He’s not quite the natural hitter that Freeman is, but Bracho has a little more power potential. In his pro debut as an 18-year-old in Rookie ball, the middle infielder posted a BB-K of 28-29 in 38 games so he has the potential to have increased value in on-base leagues, too.

 

8. Ethan Hankins, RHP

Dynasty Prospect Rank: 159
2020 LEVEL: A-
MLB ETA: 2022

Hankins possesses an impressive 6-foot-6 pitcher’s frame and can dial his heater up into the 94-97 mph range. He has a four-pitch mix with three possibly grading out as above-average. His command and control both need polish, but he does a nice job of keeping the ball down and avoiding the long ball when everything is clicking.

 

9. Daniel Espino, RHP

Dynasty Prospect Rank: 163
2020 LEVEL: SS-A
MLB ETA: 2023

Espino isn’t as physical as Hankins, but he has similar stuff. He can fire his heater in the mid-90s and backs it up with two breaking balls that show plus potential. A 2019 first-round Draft pick, the teenager overpowered hitters in rookie ball with 34 strikeouts in 23.2 innings.

 

10: Bo Naylor, C

Dynasty Prospect Rank: 177
2020 LEVEL: A+
MLB ETA: 2022

Naylor was a 2018 first-round Draft pick out of Canada but has a fairly advanced bat for a cold weather prospect. He’s the brother of Padres’ prospect Josh Naylor and is the better athlete of the two -- at least until the rigors of catching wear him down. The young catcher needs to slow things down at the plate and continue to gain experience against pro pitching as he looks to cut down on the swing-and-miss tendencies. But with maturity, there could be 15-20 home runs in his bat.

More Prospect Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

T.J. Watt

Pittsburgh Still Not Close on New Contract
Terry McLaurin

Still Not Pleased with Contract Situation
Sonny Milano

on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Yu Darvish

to Make Season Debut on Monday
MLB

Nationals Fire Dave Martinez, Mike Rizzo
Jakub Dobes

Signs Two-Year Deal with Canadiens
KaVontae Turpin

Arrested on Two Charges
Cole Ragans

to Begin Throwing on Monday
Theo Johnson

Prioritizing his Health this Offseason
Andrés Giménez

Andres Gimenez Hits 10-Day Injured List
Jermaine Burton

Continues to Show Growth
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
Austin Cindric

Remains an Overrated Road Racer
Brad Keselowski

Likely to Brush Past Chicago Street Course to Focus on Daytona
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek One of the Best Underdog Options After Strong Runs at Mexico City and Last Year
Cole Custer

Strong Mexico City Run and Xfinity Series Chicago Win Make Him a Solid DFS Option
Erik Jones

Likely Not Good Enough on Road Courses for DFS Consideration Despite Poor Qualifying Result
Noah Gragson

May Be Better Than Other Cheap DFS Options
Riley Herbst

Despite Decent Mexico City Run, Don't Expect Riley Herbst to Contend at Chicago
Cody Ware

Is a Road Course Veteran, but It's Rarely Helped Him in NASCAR
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Is The Heavy Favorite to Win at Chicago Street Course
Christopher Bell

Should Be Strong Despite Practice Struggles at Chicago Street Course
Cam Ward

"Not Expecting" to be handed Starting Job
Chase Claypool

Eager to Get Back on the Field
Wyatt Langford

Activated, Playing on Saturday
Jay Huff

on the Move to Indiana
Cam Whitmore

Wizards Acquire Cam Whitmore from the Rockets
LaJohntay Wester

Stands out on Special Teams
Clarke Schmidt

Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Nolan Arenado

Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Starting on Saturday
Corbin Carroll

Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF