Cleveland Indians Preliminary Prospect List

by John Sickels on Jan 2, 2026 11:25 AM EST

Somehow I came up with 47 names from a thin system. I need to cut 10. Lots of marginal names to pick from.

Austin Adams RHP
Jesus Aguilar 1B
Cody Allen RHP
Cody Anderson RHP
Elvis Araujo LHP
Shawn Armstrong RHP
Scott Barnes LHP
Rob Bryson RHP
Chun Chen C
Kelvin De La Cruz LHP
Juan Diaz SS
Paulo Espino RHP
Robel Garcia 3B
Michael Goodnight RHP
Preston Guilmet RHP
Eric Haase C
Nick Hagadone LHP
Tyler Holt OF
Dillon Howard RHP
Corey Kluber RHP
Jason Knapp RHP
Alex Lavisky C
Chen Lee RHP
Francisco Lindor SS
Jake Lowery C-1B
Jorge Martinez SS
Zach McAllister RHP
Bryson Miles OF
Beau Mills 1B
Shawn Morimando LHP
Thomas Neal OF
Matt Packer LHP
Cord Phelps 2B
Zach Putnam RHP
Luigi Rodriguez OF
Ronny Rodriguez SS
Danny Salazar RHP
Steven Sides RHP
Jake Sisco RHP
Jordan Smith 3B
Giovanni Soto LHP
Felix Sterling RHP
Bryce Stowell RHP
Tyler Sturdevant RHP
Enosil Tejeda RHP
LeVon Washington OF
Tony Wolters 2B

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Read More: Beau Mills (1B - CLE), Zach Putnam (P - CLE), Jordan Smith (P - CIN), Scott Barnes (P - CLE), Kelvin De La Cruz (P - CLE), Thomas Neal (LF - CLE), Zach McAllister (P - CLE), Tyler Holt (CF - ), Cord Phelps (2B - CLE), Chen Lee (P - CLE), Nick Hagadone (P - CLE), Corey Kluber (P - CLE), Bryce Stowell (P - CLE), Danny Salazar (P - CLE)

Comments

Being a Tribe fan, these are the names I would cut:

Tyler Holt
Alex lavisky
Corey Kluber
Juan Diaz
Kelvin De La Cruz
Preston Guilmet
Paulo Espino
Beau Mills

and some guys I know very little about:

Shawn Morimando
Enosil Tejeda
Steven Sides
Cody Anderson

I would however add TJ House to the list. Perhaps in place of Packer?

How do you feel about Hector Rondon, Alexander Perez and Nick Weglarz? Personally I’d leave them off the top 20/30, but they do deserve to be mentioned as bounce back candidates.

by JP_Frost on Jan 2, 2026 11:49 AM EST reply actions

curious

do you actually mean that you think packer should be off a top 40 list for the indians? because the reports from last year seemed fairly … strong.

or was it just picking a name out and wanting to get house in?

by toonsterwu on Jan 2, 2026 1:29 PM EST up reply actions

Packer is a solid prospect, but I just like House a little bit more. I guess you don’t have to cut Packer entirely, but if I had to choose between the two I’d go with House.

by JP_Frost on Jan 2, 2026 1:39 PM EST up reply actions

I think Kluber is a 2012 breakout candidate…

by stuart dean on Jan 6, 2026 1:53 PM EST up reply actions

cuts

Well I could add House but I like Packer. The problem with Lavisky is that he was a big-bonus guy and people ask about him. Diaz and de La Cruz are on the 40 man, and I saw Guilmet do some good things in the Arizona Fall League. Mills actually hit OK last year although I agree he is marginal.

by John Sickels on Jan 2, 2026 12:17 PM EST reply actions

Agreed on Lavisky and he’s definately a guy to keep an eye on, but the performance so far has been very dissapointing.

Diaz and De La Cruz could be on the list because, like you said, they are on the 40-man roster, though I’d expect one of them to be cut in case the Indians sign a FA. I’m still baffled why they put Diaz on the 40-man roster, and I consider him to be a non-prospect. De La Cruz has been a favorite of mine, but it looks like he’s destined for a bullpen role, which greatly diminishes his value.

by JP_Frost on Jan 2, 2026 12:54 PM EST up reply actions

rondon and weglarz seem dicey due to injuries.

by John Sickels on Jan 2, 2026 12:17 PM EST reply actions

List looks pretty accurate to me.

Like you and JP, I don’t think there are many high level prospects in the organization and no player in AAA/AA that are much more than replacement players. Lots of those though, at least in the pitching staffs. JP already mentioned Alex Perez along with Rondon and Weglarz. His injury has come around pretty well and, if the guns are correct at the instructional league, he has added 5 feet to his fast ball and he has always had excellent secondary pitches.

Two young under the radar types are 22 YO LHP TJ McFarland who pitched pretty well last year in AA and the AFL. No spectacular numbers except for ground balls. The other is Clayton Cook who is 21 and has had solid years throughout his minor league career including Kinston last year. He will likely pitch AA this year and still looks to have considerable projection. Would not be shocked if he reaches mid 90s this year. Just my thoughts.

Very difficult to rate these guys who really have no track record to speak of much less the ones who haven’t played or in the DSL. Last year’s draftees yielded one big surprise to me. Cody Allen has great mechanics with 4 pitches that looks like they could be ML average or better. Whether he is a starter or reliever, I think he will be the first one in his draft class to reach the MLs.

by sdtribefan on Jan 3, 2026 2:33 AM EST up reply actions

JZ

The only thing more injury prone than this system is Joel Zumaya.

I’m still holding out hope that Rondon and Weglarz can recover. I think we’ll see a bounceback season from Weglarz in 2012. The question is, how good of a bounceback is “good enough”? If he bounces back and is a .285 /10 HR /5 SB outfielder…is that even good enough to be a #4?

by Aslan on Jan 3, 2026 2:41 PM EST up reply actions

House

John — I’d love to get your take on TJ House, I was surprised he didn’t make your 47 in a thin system.

by dskidmorehess on Jan 2, 2026 12:30 PM EST reply actions

house

Well, he sucked last year, lol. But yeah, he should be included

by John Sickels on Jan 2, 2026 12:48 PM EST up reply actions

Jake Lowery

John, I’ll be interested to see how you rate him. Reports out of college were that his power is big-time. He got off to a great start in the NY-Penn League, but tailed off and ended up with just-okay numbers. Love the power-plate discipline combo, though. Maybe the second coming of Mike Napoli?

by istealllamas on Jan 2, 2026 12:45 PM EST reply actions

No Dorssys Paulino?

Any reasoning? Too young/inexperienced or questions about his final position? If Miguel Andujar can get a mention in NYY’s system I would think Paulino would be a shoo-in on this list.

by Zeke K on Jan 2, 2026 1:08 PM EST reply actions

I try to avoid DSL guys unless I really need names. They are very tough to grade. That said he does have higher upside than most of the others on this list.

by John Sickels on Jan 2, 2026 1:50 PM EST up reply actions

and he hasn't played yet

by John Sickels on Jan 2, 2026 1:51 PM EST up reply actions

I am starting to regret ever including the 16-year old Latin American guys. Space is at a real premium

by John Sickels on Jan 2, 2026 1:52 PM EST up reply actions

16 y.o. Latin American guys

yeah but the really deep leagues draft those guys, you need to include the best ones

by dskidmorehess on Jan 2, 2026 1:53 PM EST reply actions

I try to do that.

by John Sickels on Jan 2, 2026 1:58 PM EST up reply actions

16 Y.O.

I’d ignore 16 year olds unless they have an extremely rare combination of tools (major league caliber defense coupled with above average contact skills, well above average velocity, or inhuman power). Isn’t there enough variance with prospects in their low 20’s to pretend that we know what 16 year olds will become?

Even with outstanding tools, I’d probably never grade a 16 year old above a C. (I might have given Felix Hernandez a C+ based on what I read about his fastball at 17.)

Most arguments are really about context.

by SheaWasBettor21 on Jan 2, 2026 11:48 PM EST up reply actions

iindians

I’m going to revise my statement. Although the system is short of impact players, there is a LOT of Grade C/C+ depth, and some of those guys could develop. The system isn’t as thin as I thought the more I study it.

by John Sickels on Jan 2, 2026 2:08 PM EST reply actions

Depth

It is a difficult system to evaluate right now. The top tier of talent all pretty much debuted in Cleveland last year or were traded, so they are off the list. The middle and upper part of the system is populated largely by marginal guys and former prospects like Nick Weglarz (injury) and Beau Mills (bust). The products of the 2010 draft, highly thought of at the time (and expensive), had disappointing 2011’s in many cases (e.g. LeVon Washington). Some of the most exciting guys, either from the 2011 draft (Lindor, Howard) or young international signings (Rodriguez) are just entering the system and haven’t provided a lot of performance to evaluate. A good 2012 could make the system look much much stronger.

by APV on Jan 2, 2026 4:41 PM EST up reply actions

Maybe a Suggestion for when the Top 20's are done

Do a quick review division by division on what each system could look like a year from now. It would be a way to highlight some of the sleepers are young international signees who could take a step forward and be a fun exercise to get people’s thoughts on who will graduate. Granted this excludes the upcoming draft and international signings but it would fill some time before the Spring games start (Less then two months away!!!).

by Zeke K on Jan 3, 2026 8:24 PM EST up reply actions

Cut List

If you are looking for 10-12 names to cut, I’d suggest something along these lines:

Cody Allen RHP
Cody Anderson RHP
Shawn Armstrong RHP
Robel Garcia 3B
Michael Goodnight RHP
Preston Guilmet RHP
Eric Haase C
Tyler Holt OF
Beau Mills 1B
Shawn Morimando LHP
Thomas Neal OF
Steven Sides RHP
Jake Sisco RHP
Jordan Smith 3B
Tyler Sturdevant RHP

by APV on Jan 2, 2026 4:36 PM EST reply actions

I know you do a lot of the prospect writeups on LGT, but why would you cut Garcia, Goodnight, Haase and Cisco?

by JP_Frost on Jan 2, 2026 5:31 PM EST up reply actions

Garcia and Sisco because I was going quickly, and honestly, forgot who they were. Haase I think is undersized and has backup catcher as a ceiling. Goodnight I think has control and mechanical issues that will either keep him back or lead to injury.

by APV on Jan 3, 2026 4:37 AM EST up reply actions

I really like Haase for some reason. I know he’s really far away from the majors and he might not stay behind the plate, but I think he has the tools and upside to do very well at another position if he’s moved.

Garcia is definately one to keep an eye on. His numbers, while very good, didn’t mean much given the level, but the scouting reports have been very positive on his bat and his fielding.

by JP_Frost on Jan 3, 2026 9:34 AM EST up reply actions

why in the world would you cut Sisco ?

Yoenis Cespedes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW9ge8l3jY8

by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Jan 2, 2026 11:33 PM EST up reply actions

This system intersts me a lot...

This system is actually one of my favorites. Not so much because the talent is great…but because I can’t seem to get a good read on this system. All the guys I “like”….have either had massive injury problems or have been busts…

Nick Weglarz- Is h gonna recover?

Nick Hagadone- Is he good enough to close? Is he ready for 2012?

Beau Mills- A better 2011…but a 1B in the AL needs to hit better than he has.

Lonnie Chisenhall- Never really liked him…looks like a 15HR guy at times…but last year had a decent sample size at the MLB level and overall didn’t look that great.

David Huff- Probably not a “rookie” anymore…but looking better than the 4th/5th starter I thought he’d be.

Hector Rondon- Can he recover?

by Aslan on Jan 2, 2026 8:56 PM EST reply actions

Kelvin De La Cruz

I can’t think of who to cut. I guess if I had to pick one, it’d be De La Cruz. His K numbers improved last year…but I’m just not sold.

by Aslan on Jan 2, 2026 9:05 PM EST up reply actions

De La Cruz

Can’t cut a 6-5 lefty with mid 90s gas, a hammer curve, a 9+ K/9 and mid 3’s FIP in 86 AA IP at 23 years old. Injury problems and spotty control are normal for 23 year old lefty power pitchers (Price and Moore are considered special for a reason).

He’s a C+ prospect for me, given his combination of high risk and high reward. If not for the injuries, I’d give him a B. If he can maintain his stuff and stay healthy, is it hard to believe this kid won’t develop into an above average power relief pitcher? Isn’t that a nice floor for a guy who boasts power lefty starting pitcher potential? I certainly think so.

Most arguments are really about context.

by SheaWasBettor21 on Jan 2, 2026 11:41 PM EST up reply actions

Jake Sisco

Sisco’s upside is too high to leave him off. Above average velocity, decent secondary stuff, solid control for his age, and smooth athletic mechanics. Ideal height and room to fill out more. Clean bill of health.

Unless Lindor goes “Hanley Ramirez” on us, I think Sisco will be widely regarded as their #1 prospect within a couple of years.

I think you lose nothing if you give him a C and he bombs. You lose a lot of credibility if you cut him, and he progresses even a little from what he is now. (which is a toolsy pitcher with a good build who had a very respectable debut in rookie ball)

Most arguments are really about context.

by SheaWasBettor21 on Jan 2, 2026 8:59 PM EST reply actions

Sisco is not going to be cut. I love him.

by John Sickels on Jan 2, 2026 9:09 PM EST up reply actions

Jordan Henry

Probably isnt a good thing if Jordan Henry cant make the prelim list :/

by Ralpho316 on Jan 2, 2026 10:42 PM EST reply actions

Worse that he can’t hit more than a single

by APV on Jan 3, 2026 4:38 AM EST up reply actions

Age

One other factor to keep in mind in evaluating the Indians’ system is the age relative to league average. Lake County, for example, had the youngest group of positional players in the Midwest League last year (20.8 according to B-Ref), including teenagers like Urshela, Washington, Rodriguez and Monsalve. Akron (23.5) and Columbus (24.9) had the youngest pitching crop in the Eastern League and International League, respectively.

by APV on Jan 3, 2026 7:49 AM EST reply actions

Jason Knapp?

Does he finally throw some innings? Does his fastball still have significant velo? Anyone have any updates on him?

by Hairylady on Jan 3, 2026 11:45 AM EST reply actions

Adam Miller

Wait…the Adam Miller era is finally over?

Put up nearly 30% K/PA last year in high A. Granted, his finger is held together with yarn, bubble gum, and Elmer’s glue.

Oh how the mighty have fallen.

by Aslan on Jan 3, 2026 2:32 PM EST reply actions

Adam who?

/sad

by JP_Frost on Jan 3, 2026 4:06 PM EST up reply actions

You know the one-time future perennial Cy-Young Candidate

Along with Andrew Miller and Mike Pelfrey. You know, just as long as Justin Huber, Brian Anderson, and Andy Marte don’t crush them too much. Oh how things change in five years.

by Zeke K on Jan 3, 2026 8:34 PM EST up reply actions

Andy Marte broke my heart.

by JP_Frost on Jan 3, 2026 9:00 PM EST up reply actions

Blair?

did he really fall that far in one year?

by ktball on Jan 3, 2026 3:30 PM EST reply actions

Blair had a very mediocre debut. Given that he’s now 23-years old and didn’t really do that well in A ball, is a big dissapointment. Especially when you consider that he was a pretty advanced draft pick (junior in college without a ton of projection left).

He’s a sleeper though. But for me he’s not a top 20 prospect at the moment.

by JP_Frost on Jan 3, 2026 4:09 PM EST up reply actions

Agree mostly

I was fairly surprised by Kyle Blair’s underwhelming season. I’m not sure I could find 20 more inriguing Cleveland farmhands at this juncture, but that’s more of a reflection (in my opinion) of the system than any sort of momentum on Blair’s part.

by Matt0330 on Jan 4, 2026 11:26 AM EST up reply actions