Cleveland Indians: 3 prospects that could see regular playing time in 2021

Daniel Johnson, OF

There’s no question that the Cleveland Indians need outfield help and while Daniel Johnson was given a brief shot during the 2020 season, he could grow into a much bigger role in 2021. Like all the players on this list, Johnson would have benefited from a minor league season in 2020, which hurt his stats during his short stint.

During the 2020 season, Johnson appeared in five games for the Tribe seeing just 12 at-bats. Over those he slashed just .083/.154/.083 with just one hit and one walk. However, his stats from the minors give a better hint of what could come from Johnson once he is able to adjust to what he saw this past season.

In the 2019 season, Johnson played 84 games for Triple-A Columbus and had an impressive campaign. His slash line was much better at .306/.371/.496 while he was able to log 27 doubles and nine home runs.

Those numbers were much closer to what Johnson has been able to post across his career in the minors. If the Cleveland Indians can give him steady playing time to allow him to find his groove, he could blossom into an every day player for Cleveland by the end of the 2021 season. Having the ability to play either of the corner outfield spots, there could very easily be a spot for Johnson to slide into if he can improve and impress over the offseason and into spring training.

Bobby Bradley, 1B

Like Daniel Johnson, Bobby Bradley has been given an opportunity before and just didn’t stick. However, in Bradley’s case it was more of a blockade in front of him rather than a shortened season with fewer opportunities. Now with the possibility of Carlos Santana leaving this offseason, Bradley could be given another shot.

Playing in 15 games for the Indians during the 2019 season, Bradley was able to club his first major league home run along with five doubles, but his slash line was just .178/.245/.356. On top of that, Bradley didn’t make an appearance during the 2020 season.

However, the outburst that Bradley had in Triple-A during the 2019 season should be enough to intrigue the Indians for what could be if Bradley can have a full season in the majors. With the Clippers in 2019, Bradley was able to slug 33 home runs while slashing a more productive .264/.344/.567.

If there is an opening at first base next year, Bradley will be the first to get the opportunity. There are other players in the organization that have the ability to take over the position, but Bradley has been waiting for his shot. Should he be given the chance to play first for the Indians, he might be able to shine and not look back.

Nolan Jones, INF

The No. 1 prospect for the Cleveland Indians, Nolan Jones has yet to make his major league debut, but could see a lot of playing time in the 2021 season, the question will just be where. So far, Jones has been strictly a third baseman in the minors with the exception of five games at shortstop, but the Indians are having him play both outfield and first during fall ball.

One theory is that Jones could take over first base from Carlos Santana or maybe even move into the outfield and provide a much needed spark for the Tribe. However, if there is a trade involving Jose Ramirez, Jones might even be able to slide into his natural position.

What could hold Jones back is his lack of experience. The loss of the 2020 minor league season might have really hurt his development as he’s only been able to play 49 games at Double-A for his highest level of experience. He was still able to produce over that short stint and do enough that might still put him into the majors in 2021.

Over those 49 games with Akron, Jones was able to put together a rather balanced stat line with 10 doubles, two triples and eight home runs, resulting in 22 RBI. His average was also, well, average at .253.

Jones might be given a brief run in Triple-A to start the 2021 season to give him that experience, but otherwise he should be able to make the jump to the major leagues in the very near future.