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Ranking the Cleveland Indians’ Top 5 Prospects Heading Into 2016

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Ranking the Cleveland Indians' Top 5 Prospects Heading Into 2016

Bradley Zimmer
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The Cleveland Indians have been on the fringe of being competitive each of the past two seasons, and they may need to add reinforcements in order to get over the hump in the AL Central. The hope is always to have a team’s farm system prove capable of providing the boost that gets them to the next level, and that certainly applies to the Indians. Here are Cleveland’s top five prospects heading into 2016.

5. Tyler Naquin, Outfield

Tyler Naquin Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mark J. Rebilas - USATODAY Sports

5. Tyler Naquin, Outfield

Tyler Naquin Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mark J. Rebilas - USATODAY Sports

Naquin has been held back by injuries in recent years, but he finished 2015 in Triple-A, so he's on the verge of helping in the big leagues if he can stay healthy. Although he's light on power, Naquin has always hit for a good average and had a high OBP. Right now, he profiles more like a fourth outfielder, but he's strong defensively and can play all three outfield spots. He'll certainly be a useful big leaguer.

4. Rob Kaminsky, Pitcher

Rob Kaminsky Cardinals
Ed Mulholland - USATODAY Sports

4. Rob Kaminsky, Pitcher

Rob Kaminsky Cardinals
Ed Mulholland - USATODAY Sports

The Indians acquired Kaminsky in a trade with the Cardinals this past summer, giving Cleveland a pitcher with one of the best curveballs in the minor leagues. Kaminsky also has an above-average fastball and changeup, giving him a nice three-pitch mix. He's only 5-foot-11, so there are questions that his height will eventually force him into the bullpen, but Kaminsky still has time to prove he can remain a starter long term.

3. Brady Aiken, Pitcher

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3. Brady Aiken, Pitcher

cleveland indians fans
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Aiken was the No. 1 overall pick in the draft in 2014, but he didn't sign after Houston lowered his signing bonus amid health concerns. He soon blew out his elbow, but Cleveland still took a chance on him by drafting him in the first round in 2015. If Aiken can ever return to full health, he's a star in the making with three plus pitches and outstanding control. Cleveland took a risk on Aiken, but his ceiling is incredibly high.

2. Bradley Zimmer, Outfield

New York Yankees v Cleveland Indians
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2. Bradley Zimmer, Outfield

New York Yankees v Cleveland Indians
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Zimmer is a strong defensive center fielder with a well-rounded set of tools. He has a good approach, hits for a good average and should hit for power if he can keep filling out his 6-foot-4 frame. Zimmer struggled last season after being promoted to Double-A, but he should be able to bounce back in 2016 and prove he can handle upper level pitching. If he can do that, he'll be a part of Cleveland's outfield by 2017.

1. Clint Frazier, Outfield

Washington Nationals v Cleveland Indians
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1. Clint Frazier, Outfield

Washington Nationals v Cleveland Indians
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Frazier has moved quickly through the minors since the Indians drafted him out of high school in 2013, as he's ticketed for Double-A in 2016. He hit .285/.377/.465 with 16 home runs and 36 doubles in advanced-A in 2015, so he brings plenty of power to the table. That power sets him apart from the other outfield prospects the Indians have, especially since Frazier is also strong defensively and can stay in center field long term.

Bryan Zarpentine is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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