Cleveland Indians: 2 prospects who need to be added in September roster expansion

Cleveland Indians: 2 prospects who NEED to be on the roster when it expands in September

It’s late August, and there go those Cleveland Indians, sweeping the Los Angeles Angels in spectacular fashion culminating in the Little League Classic, and getting our hopes up again. Now, hopes are relative. For the playoffs? Not likely, as the White Sox hold a nine game lead in the division, and the Tribe currently sit eight games back of the Red Sox for the second Wild Card spot in the American League.

But for the future? Well, that’s what has me personally excited. The continued and stunning growth of Cal Quantrill and the recent stretch of Triston McKenzie has reignited the belief in Cleveland’s pitching with news that Aaron Civale is on the horizon, and Shane Bieber might not be that far away either.

The rosters will expand one week from today during a three game set in Kansas City, allowing the Indians to add two extra bodies to the roster. Cleveland needs to decide if the team wants to attempt the make a push at those nearly double-digit deficits or look to 2022.

It’s safe to say that we as fans have seen enough of the revolving door of pitchers this season, so the focus should shift to some of the Tribe’s rising offensive talent, especially players we’re likely to see compete for jobs in 2022 Spring Training anyhow.

Cleveland, as it stands right now, basically deploys four utility infielders in Yu Chang, Owen Miller, Ernie Clement and (arguably) Amed Rosario. Clement defensively is the strongest of the group, while Rosario makes the best impact at the plate, but the team needs to give other players a chance to show what they can bring to the Tribe going forward and the upcoming roster expansion opens the door for that possibility.

When rosters expand, these two players in the Cleveland Indians organization need to be at the top of the list for candidates to get the call.

Nolan Jones, Cleveland Indians No. 3 Prospect

The first player that comes to mind is Triple-A third baseman Nolan Jones, who just recently fell from the throne as Cleveland’s top prospect. This isn’t necessarily due to any kind of regression or his talent not translating to the upper minors, but it comes down to one simple question; what are you going to do with him?

Jones is a natural third baseman, but the organization has experimented with him lightly in the outfield where his arm strength at the hot corner should translate somewhat well to a corner outfield spot.

The obvious roadblock is Tribe superstar Jose Ramirez being entrenched at third base, but regardless of the debate about where to put him in the field, there’s plenty that Jones can bring to the lineup. Through 95 games at Triple-A Columbus this year, Jones has displayed a level of patience that can’t be taught to most prospects in their age 23 season. Jones has drawn 56 walks so far, a number that would be leading the 2021 Indians in 20 fewer games than anyone else has played.

His patience is a double-edged sword, however, as Jones has struck out 119 times so far in 2021. Despite that, Jones has a .417 SLG to go with a .225 batting average, which is a bizarre combination to begin with. Almost exactly half of his hits this season (37/73) have gone for extra bases, and his 24 doubles this year would be second on the Indians to Jose Ramirez’s 26. Clearly there’s still some kinks to iron out in his approach, but the swing appears ready for a test drive against Major League pitching.