Cleveland Indians: 3 shortstops to know for the MLB Draft

Xavier Edwards, SS, North Broward (FL) HS

Xavier Edwards is not a big man but he’s got big potential to go in the first round. Coming in at a slender 5’10” and 155 lbs, Edwards is not going to hit many home runs. He’s your prototypical table setter at the top of the lineup. He doesn’t strike out much, makes good contact, and is a speed demon.

MLB Pipeline has Edwards as the 38th ranked prospect coming into the MLB Draft. The Cleveland Indians have three picks around there with selections at No. 29, No. 35, and No. 41 overall, there’s a good chance they’ll have the opportunity to select Edwards.

As always with high school players, signability is the main issue in drafting them. Edwards is committed to Vanderbilt, one of the top programs in the country, and one of the toughest to get players to decommit from.

A strong defender, Edwards has the ability to stick at shortstop in his pro career, but he will probably have to add some strength in order to make it through a 162 game schedule.

Edwards is a switch hitter, which only adds to his value. A player that can get on base the way Edwards can with tremendous defense and ludicrous speed is someone that most scouts would salivate over. If the Indians feel they can sign him, he would be a wonderful addition to the organization.

This is just my guess, but with his speed and arm strength, center field might be a good long term fit for Edwards if he can’t stay at shortstop, or ends up being blocked by Francisco Lindor if the Cleveland Indians elect to draft him. Vanderbilt doesn’t recruit just any shortstops, and if he’s got the chance to be the shortstop at Vanderbilt, he’s someone major league teams will want to sign.

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Shortstop is a position that teams draft for depth all the time. The Indians don’t need to go shortstop with their first pick, but you’d have a tough time arguing the decision if they end up going with one of these shortstops.