:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48602933/492050592.0.jpg)
We round out our Top 10 Cleveland Indians prospects with Triston McKenzie, an 18-year-old pitcher who the Tribe chose in the supplemental round of the 2015 draft. McKenzie finished first in the poll with 39 percent of the vote (95 votes) with Yandy Diaz in a close second at 36 percent (88 votes).
Triston McKenzie is the sixth pitcher in our top-10 list, and the second 2015 draft pick. I suspect another 2015 draftee, Juan Hillman, may be not far behind despite not getting many votes in this latest poll.
Despite only throwing 12.0 innings in rookie ball last season, scouts love McKenzie’s upside. Sources told Baseball Prospectus that McKenzie was "one of the most impressive pitchers in the AZL," and he could have the most upside in the Indians farm system outside of Brady Aiken.
McKenzie’s pitch repertoire includes a curveball, a changeup and a fastball sitting in the high-80s to low-90s that could pick up velocity as he gains strength on his slender 6-foot-5, 165-pound frame. His changeup is a new addition since going pro, but already it has impressed scouts and could potentially be the third pitch McKenzie needs to become an effective starter in the majors.
John Sickels at Minor League Ball and Baseball Prospectus have McKenzie ranked seventh overall in the Indians organization, while Baseball America and MLB.com both have him eighth.
***
WHO SHOULD BE THE NO. 11 PROSPECT FOR 2016?
(ages listed are for 2016 season)
Yandy Diaz (Age 24)
2015 (AA): 564 PA, 7 HR, 8 SB, .315/.412/.408, 143 wRC+
Shows a great eye at the plate and draws walks at a prolific rate. Emerged last season as a potential future option for the Indians at third base. Power is still underwhelming.
Juan Hillman (Age 18)
2015 (R): 24.0 IP, 4.13 ERA, 3.15 FIP, 19.4 K%, 4.9 BB%
Indians second-round pick in 2015 out of Olympia High School. Fastball sits in the high-80s to low-90s but there is room to improve as he ages and gains strength. Also features a curveball and a changeup.
Francisco Mejia, C (Age 20)
2015 (A): 446 PA, 9 HR, 4 SB, .243/.324/.345, 99 wRC+
19-year-old catcher had a lot on his plate in 2015 and wasn't overwhelmed by the challenge of full-season baseball following a slow April. Threw out 34% of potential base stealers, and managed a young and talented pitching staff.
Shawn Morimando, SP (Age 23)
2015 (AA): 158.2 IP, 3.18 ERA, 3.64 ERA, 19.5 K%, 9.9 BB%
Has been a dependable starter his entire professional career, and young for his league at each stop. Still waiting for that big breakout season. Added to the 40-man roster this winter.
James Ramsey, OF (Age 26)
2015 (AAA): 503 PA, 12 HR, 3 SB, .243/.327/.382, 107 wRC+
Once a promising future outfield for the Indians (or at least a trade piece), but may be a dreaded "AAAA" player as he has struggled to make it out of Triple-A. Potential fourth outfielder who could debut as soon as 2016.