Indians have two prospects in 2020 MLB Pipeline Top 100

MLB Pipeline dropped its 2020 Top 100 list of prospects and the Cleveland Indians had two talented individuals make the rankings.

The Cleveland Indians have remained relatively quiet this offseason, causing some to panic.

What many may forget is that the Indians do have a great deal of talent in the farm system.

That talent was reflected in the 2020 MLB Pipeline Top 100 prospects list. The Indians had two players make the list.

First up was Nolan Jones, who came in at No. 42 overall. He is the top guy in the Indians system and could be up in the majors at some point this season. Though if there are no injuries, that may be delayed as the rosters no longer expand to 40 players in September.

Jones is only 21 years old and made it up to Double-A Akron in 2019. He is listed as a third baseman, and could slide in there permanently if Jose Ramirez moves over to second base. Cesar Hernandez is currently holding down second after being signed this offseason, but he is only on a one-year deal. So there is a path for Jones in the near future.

Next on the list is shortstop Tyler Freeman, who was ranked No. 96 overall. Freeman made the list even though Triston McKenzie is one spot ahead of him on the Indians’ list of top prospects. Though it could be a 2a and 2b type of situation.

Freeman is still a few years away from the majors. He spent time in Single-A Lake County and Single-A Lynchburg last season. He hit over .300 for the year and as of now he stands out as the potential shortstop of the future if Francisco Lindor is not re-signed.

It may be hard to get excited about prospects because focusing on developing young talent may mean a rebuilding phase is set to begin soon. But if the prospects, like Jones and Freeman, are talented enough, they could be added to an already competitive team without the need to end up like the Royals or the Tigers.