3 Indians Prospects Who Should be Untouchable in Trade Talks
By Ryan Giglio
At one point this season, the Cleveland Indians were more than 10 games behind the Minnesota Twins in the AL Central standings. However, the Tribe has rebounded from a slow start and has made up some ground in the standing. After winning seven of their last 10 games, the Indians are 6.5 games behind the Twins in the Central one-half game out of a Wild Card spot.
If Cleveland acts as buyers at the deadline, GM Mike Chernoff should deem these prospects untouchable.
1. Triston McKenzie, RHP
The Indians made the 21-year-old pitcher the 42nd overall pick in the 2015 draft and he is currently the club's top prospect. McKenzie battled forearm issues in 2018 and has not played yet this year due to an upper back strain. Chernoff should not sell low on this high-upside arm, especially since he can be a cheap replacement for the expensive Trevor Bauer and Corey Kluber in the future.
2. Tyler Freeman, 2B/SS
Regarding the future of superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor, Indians owner Paul Dolan told fans to "Enjoy him", citing Lindor's three years of control. Freeman, 20, represents the Indians best option to replace Lindor if he leaves in free agency following the 2021 season. Freeman is a middle infielder with elite bat-to-ball skills. His skill set should play in the major leagues, as he can do it all on the diamond.
3. Bo Naylor, C
The 29th pick in the 2019 draft currently ranks as Cleveland's fourth best prospect, but is not expected to be ready until 2022. Within the last year, the Tribe has traded away Francisco Mejia, a major league ready offensive catching prospect, and established catcher Yan Gomes. With no current backstop establishing a role on Indians as a future piece, Naylor's explosive bat should be viewed as a critical part of a young winning future Indians team at a key position.