Cleveland Indians: Analyzing the top five prospects for the Tribe

No. 1 Nolan Jones

We’ve been talking about Nolan Jones all offseason and he once again tops the Indians’ prospect list heading into the 2021 season. The top rated prospect in Cleveland is most likely already MLB-ready, but he’s ran into a road block in terms of position that will have him at least start in the minor leagues this season after beginning in Spring Training.

Coming up as a third basemen, Jones isn’t going to overtake Jose Ramirez anytime soon, barring a trade which doesn’t seem like it’s going to happen. That leaves Jones in search of a new position. Supposedly he was working out in the outfield and at first base, which both still seem like possibilities.

Jones hit well in Goodyear, slashing .375/.583/.375 over eight official at-bats with four walks. Now that it seems like Jake Bauers will start the season as the Tribe’s first basemen, the door is open for Jones to make a run at the spot. If he can improve in the field at first while also keeping his bat steady in the minors, he could challenge Bauers for first base in the near future. But until Jones can perform at a different position, he’ll be stuck in the minors.