Cleveland Indians Organization Discussion

by John Sickels on Nov 19, 2025 12:01 PM EST

I am now working on the Toronto Blue Jays Top 20, to be followed by the Washington Nationals, Cleveland Indians, and a National League team to be determined by a contest winner.

Use this thread to begin discussion of the Cleveland Indians farm system. My initial impression is that this is a middle-of-the-road farm system. Do you agree with that? Any sleepers who stand out that might get overlooked?

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Felix Sterling

Probably should have been pitching in the DSL as a 17 year old, but the Indians brought him over and he was pretty successful in the GCL. Was his stuff that good to come over, or was it needs based?

I’m also interested to see how aggressive a ranking Robbie Aviles gets.

If everybody likes you, then either no one knows anything about you, or you're dead.

by Archie A on Nov 19, 2025 12:52 PM EST reply actions

Strong system

I think the Indians system is quite strong, particularly in pitching. There aren’t any true blue-chippers, but there are a lot of guys at the top of the system who could be solid major leaguers; Chisenhall, Kipnis, Weglarz and White. Offensively, the depth thins out pretty quickly, but Phelps stock is rising and Chun-Hsiu Chen is a below the radar prospect at catcher. The pitching depth is fairly remarkable, though. White is at the top of the system, but behind him you have guys like Barnes, Hagadone, Knapp, De La Cruz, Soto, Kluber, McAllister, Packer, Gardner, Rondon, Adams, Cook, Sterling and A. Perez. The bullpen prospects like Judy, Stowell, Bryson, Putnam, Price, Burns, Guilmet and Pestano all had great seasons in 2010, also. Finally, the 2010 draft has gotten solid reviews with the likes of Pomeranz, Washington, Wolters, Blair, Cook and Lavisky. I think there is a lot to like.

by APV on Nov 19, 2025 2:38 PM EST reply actions

young

Also worth pointing out that the Indians system doesn’t have a lot of “filler” in it. Based on these numbers compiled by BA recently, the Indians had the youngest system in all of baseball last year.

by APV on Nov 19, 2025 2:49 PM EST up reply actions

Some under the radar Indians

I pretty much agree with John that if you consider the top prospects, the Indians are mainly MOR or slightly better. What makes the Indians stand out is the depth beyond the top 5 prospects IMO.

There are some pretty good prospects that do not get a lot of ink. Three LHs in Akron, Barnes, Packer & DeLaCruz may well have MOR or better upsides. Chen in Kinston looks to be a breakout at Catcher. If you are big on relief prospects, I think you start with big arms like Stowell and Putnam but they are not the only ones. Completely off everyone’s radar is a young LH pitcher who spent most of the year in Kinston named McFarland.

by sdtribefan on Nov 19, 2025 2:40 PM EST reply actions

System 8-12 range for me

I think their top 10 are very solid, but unspectacular. Chisenhall and Kipnis could have some occasional all-star appearances but I don’t think they’ll be ‘stars’. Similar, Pomeranz and White look like pretty good starters, but not the ‘ace’ types.

That being said, if half or better turn into solid regulars then this will look like it was a pretty crop five years or so down the road.

by BryceHarper on Nov 19, 2025 5:38 PM EST reply actions

Joe Gardner

is a real interesting pitcher. Mid to low 90’s with the fastball, good feel for his change, and the slider is coming around. Has really shown good control at times and his ability to induce the GB has been impressive. Nice sturdy build.Sounds like he might have all the makings for a mid rotation innings eater, and to me thats saying a lot.

"The key to winning baseball games is pitching, fundamentals, and three run homers."

by fourfingerwoo on Nov 19, 2025 9:18 PM EST reply actions