Cleveland Indians: Four burning questions heading into the offseason

What prospects will be ready in 2021?

The way the offseason unfolds will depend a lot on who will be ready to make their debut in the 2021 season. Not having any minor leagues this year might have derailed some of these plans, but regardless there will be players that will make the jump to the majors.

Two players that will be candidates for that jump also happen to be at the top of the Indians’ prospect list as well. Nolan Jones, the team’s No. 1 prospect, should be ready and possibly the team’s No. 2 prospect in Tyler Freeman.

Jones and Freeman are both integral parts of Cleveland’s future, but they shouldn’t be rushed back. If Hernandez resigns and Lindor isn’t traded, there isn’t room for either at the major league level at the moment. With that being said, if they are ready, then this could make moving on from either player much easier for the organization.

Jones and Freeman won’t be able to immediately replace Hernandez, Lindor or anyone else in the lineup, but their upside makes it more appealing for the Indians to explore the idea of moving towards prospects in the coming seasons.

Like I said, Jones and Freeman can’t replace Lindor or Hernandez, but if the time is coming for a very brief rebuild, more of a restructure, these could be very important factors in the decision.