2067 Cleveland Indians Top Prospects

Unfortunately, I was far too busy to do the top prospects list over the off-season. So, it will be done as we start the 2067 season. Prospects are starting to graduate to the majors and the rebuild is taking shape! It shouldn't be long until the Indians are back to competing year-in and year-out.

The Grading Scale

99-92 Elite:

- This player will be one of the best players at his position, top tier starter, or frontline closer

91-87 Well Above:

- This player will be a very good everyday starter, top of rotation arm, or quality closer

86-82 Above Average:

- This player is the type that fields the majority of starting jobs in the majors, quality mid-rotation starters, or second-tier relievers

81-77 Average:

- This player is startable or a good platoon partner, bottom of the rotation starters, or middle/long relievers

76-72 Below Average:

- This player is where you'll find most of your average backups and depth players

71-67 Poor:

- This player is a fringe major leaguer and most likely will be a career minor leaguer

15. Francisco Azcona, RP (Last Year: 16) 
Current Value: 49/78  2067 Age: 20  Score: 82.27 Drafted: HS--San Jose de los Llanos, D.R., 2065 (3rd Round, 66th Overall), Indians Projected Call-Up: 2071 or Later

His development is still plodding along, but he's still a valued prospect. The eventual hope is still to one day see Azcona transition to a starter. Right now it's just a waiting game to see if and when his development sparks the move to the rotation.

14. Jory Gardenas, CF (Last Year: 15)
Current Value: 67/83  2067 Age: 24 Score: 82.64 Drafted: University of Texas, 2064 (1st Round, 19th Overall), Astros Projected Call-Up: 2070

This is a possible make-or-break year for Gardenas. His development has not gone according to plan. He was once projection as the future starting center fielder and now he's more likely to be a 4th outfielder with an outliner of hope to regain his starting form.

13. Ray Wieczorek, RF (Last Year: NR)
Current Value: 71/81 2067 Age: 22 Score: 82.66 Drafted: HS--Newton, MA, 2061 (6th Round, 157th Overall), Indians Projected Call-Up: 2070

He's been one of the most enjoyable prospects to watch develop. His peak has risen each and every year and his development has really taken off recently. He should have 90+ contact with a solid eye. He'll never hit for much power and only has mediocre speed, but his average and enough ability to hit for doubles should make him a starting candidate.

12. Matt Marcus, LF/CF (Last Year: NR)

Current Value: 71/82 2067 Age: 21  Score: 82.90 Drafted: HS--Killorglin, Ireland, 2065 (3rd Round, 87th Overall), Indians Projected Call-Up: 2070

He profiles about the way you'd want a number 2 hitter to look. Real good contact, solid speed, and the ability to draw walks. He had issues with getting caught stealing last year after be successful at a clip of 88% in 2065. If he can turn around those numbers, he'll enhance his value tenfold.

11. Koy Ewin, RF/CF (Last Year: 10)
Current Value: 65/80 2067 Age: 19 Score: 84.39 Drafted: HS--Waterford, WI, 2065 (2nd Round, 39th Overall), Indians Projected Call-Up: 2071

He's a lot like Marcus, but he doesn't steal much. He's a smart baserunner who picks his spots. Eventually, he too will be a top of the lineup option. His great range still has him in the running to patrol central, though ideally, he'll remain at his primary position in right.

10. Gregg Marshall, SS (Last Year: N/A)
Current Value: 69/80 2067 Age: 22 Score: 84.70 Drafted: HS--Monroe, VA, 2066 (2nd Round, 54th Overall), Reds Projected Call-Up: 2070

He was the headliner prospect from the Alex Espitice deal last year and he's being counted on as an eventual starter. He doesn't come with the greatest health report, but he's a plus defender who adds a little offense as well. Don't be surprised if he eventually is the reason Luke Tarleton moves to second base.

09. Adam Wakefield, LF (Last Year: 8)

Current Value: 77/82 2067 Age: 25 Score: 85.96 Drafted: HS--Kingsburg, CA, 2061 (2nd Round, 48th Overall), Indians Projected Call-Up: 2067

He's now entrenched in a roster spot where he'll platoon against LHPs. Eventually, he may earn a full-time gig, but for now he'll split time with veteran Keith Oshel. He should be a doubles and walk machine and his minor league steals suggest he's an underrated speed threat as well.

08. Tim Ryan, LF/DH (Last Year: 12)

Current Value: 80/86 2067 Age: 26  Score: 86.62 Drafted: University of Washington, 2063 (4th Round, 100th Overall), Indians Projected Call-Up: 2068

I think he could be the next Alan Reed. He certainly isn't likely to hit for the home run power that Reed has displayed, but he's shown the ability to hit for average and walk a lot. He should hit for power, but it'll be gap power. With his range, I wouldn't hesitate to play him in the field, but his arm will always mean that there's a better option.

07. Ryland Wilson, SP (Last Year: 7)

Current Value: 63/88 2067 Age: 23 Score: 86.72 Drafted: Pepperdine University 2065 (2nd Round, 59th Overall), Indians Projected Call-Up: 2070

With the way his peak barely falls when he ages, it's like having an 18 year old prospect. Looking at him like he has the time to develop as a teenager would and you see why I've refused to include him in trade offers. He should develop quality control and top notch movement to go with a knockout Slider.

06. Vic Vega, RF (Last Year: 11) 

Current Value: 86/91 2067 Age: 24 Score: 86.89 Drafted: University of Miami, 2063 (1st Round, 28th Overall), Indians Projected Call-Up: 2067

Last season's progression sped up his timeline and he's now the regular starting right fielder. His build looks like if he's on the cusp of having one more great jump, then he could be a very dynamic hitter. He likely won't ever blow you away with one skill, but in time he has the ability to hit for respectable average and power while walking at a good clip.

05. Paul Tobey, SP (Last Year: 1)

Current Value: 58/87 2067 Age: 22 Score: 87.25 Drafted: HS--Brooklyn, NY, 2064 (2nd Round, 32nd Overall), Indians Projected Call-Up: 2070

He had some ups-and-downs in his development last year, so he slides down a good deal on this year's list. I'm still very high on Tobey, but guys above him are much more consistent in their development and are more of a sure thing. A good season can get Tobey right back atop the list for 2068.

04. Marc Permenter, RP (Last Year: N/A)

Current Value: 84/88 2067 Age: 23 Score: 88.28 Drafted: HS--Bridgeport, IL, 2063 (2nd Round, 32nd Overall), Indians Projected Call-Up: 2067

This is his second tour with Cleveland. He ended the 2064 season with the Indians, before being traded back to the Reds the ensuing off-season. This time he comes back at a much higher cost, but he's also the future Closer. He has very good movement and amazing power - very few true RPs (20s endurance) have even 70+ power. Based on previous development, he shouldn't peak out until he's 25 and by then could be one of the league's more reliable Closer's.

03. Tony Beiler, C (Last Year: 3)

Current Value: 79/89 2067 Age: 25 Score: 88.77 Drafted: Texas A&M University, 2062 (3rd Round, 24th Overall), Mets Projected Call-Up: 2067

After catching a couple weeks of Triple-A at-bats, he'll be jettisoned to the majors. That was the plan all along - to allow Beiler to become Super 2 eligible and retain an extra year of control. He likely won't ever be a great hitter, but he'll suffice. Where he earns his value is being one of the best defensive catchers in the entire league.  He calls a good game and has an absolute rifle for an arm.

02. Matt Neyland, C (Last Year: 5)

Current Value: 70/92 2067 Age: 19 Score: 89.35 Drafted: HS--Sissonville, WV, 2065 (1st Round, 6th Overall), Indians Projected Call-Up: 2070

As if not progressing in his first season wasn't bad enough, his peak saw a -5 drop when he aged. Meaning, he likely only has 3 or 4 more years to develop. His defense will be top notch, but his offense is still very raw. It's a fair assessment to think his power will come around to decent levels and that he'll walk to a decent clip. The big mystery is where does his contact fall? The projections now have his contact in the upper 80's. He may wind up being a guy that doesn't do anything great (but still average) offensively and with his defense, that makes him a starter in FCM. 

01. Marco Gueler, 1B (Last Year: 4)

Current Value: 68/94 2067 Age: 22 Score: 91.48 Drafted: HS--Rio Piedras, P.R., 2065 (2nd Round, 32nd Overall), Indians Projected Call-Up: 2070

What a big year he had. He showed off his potential at the plate during the season and then had a very impressive showing in the AFL over the off-season break. His power potential is through the roof and another big year will only further the expectation of him being a future middle of the order man-beast.