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2015 might be considered the year of the prospect after so many elite ones have been called up this season. The most recent of those top prospects is shortstop Francisco Lindor of the Cleveland Indians. He doesn’t have quite the same fanfare associated with him as Carlos Correa and Kris Bryant did, but he could have just as big of an impact on his team.
He didn’t get the start in his first start in the big leagues, but he did get a pinch-hit at bat in the ninth inning and he roped a single (it would’ve been a double had he not tripped on his way around first base) down the right field line, showing off his potential.
This season, the Indians have underachieved, but when you look at the numbers of their individual players, it doesn’t make much sense. The pitching staff, which has looked absolutely electric at times, hasn’t found consistency. Meanwhile, in the lineup, Michael Brantley and Jason Kipnis are having career seasons.
What this team can’t seem to do is put every element of a winning effort together on a consistent basis. After adding Lindor, they might be able to find that consistency.
He was batting .281 with two home runs and 22 RBI to go along with nine steals in Triple-A at the time of his call up. He is also the No. 4 prospect in baseball according to Baseball Prospectus. He combines an ability to put the bat on the ball with the speed to get in scoring position in a quick manner.
He may grow into a little bit of power, perhaps 10-15 a season, but he will never be an elite power hitter. However, his talent level is going to provide a boost for the Indians. They’re not so far out of the playoff race that they can’t find their way back in it. Especially with Lindor with the major league team now, that might be exactly where they find themselves.
