Cleveland Indians: Familiar names fill out Baseball America’s prospect rankings

Baseball America recently released its list of the top 10 Cleveland Indians prospects in 2018, and some familiar names return to the rankings.

The beginning of 2018 means it is time to rank some Cleveland Indians prospects.

Our own rankings, done by Matt Bretz, will come out next month. For a glimpse at the 2017 rankings, click here.

But Baseball America has wasted no time and has already put out its list of the top 10 prospects in the Indians organization. The list goes:

1. Francisco Mejia
2. Triston McKenzie
3. Bobby Bradley
4. Nolan Jones
5. Shane Bieber
6. Yu-Cheng Chang
7. Willi Castro
8. Greg Allen
9. George Valera
10. Will Benson

Bradley Zimmer topped the list a year ago but is no longer considered a prospect anymore, as he figures to be the starting center fielder this season.

Mejia and McKenzie are no-brainers at the top of the list, although it is questionable when either player will receive regular playing time in Cleveland.

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Allen is a player who may have the best shot at playing time in 2018, which could happen due to an injury or simply Terry Francona looking to shake things up.

Indians fans who don’t follow the minor leagues too much should be sure to do some research or check out some highlights on these players.

Some may unfortunately be sent away in trades while others could end up being busts.

But a few of these young men could end up being stars in Cleveland very soon.

Next: Recapping the 2017 top prospect countdown

Just think back to when Francisco Lindor‘s name was on this list. Now it is on the back of so many jerseys and shirts at every home game at Progressive Field.