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Juan Hillman only threw 24 innings in the Arizona Rookie League in 2015, but that was enough time for scouts to see his potential and land him on many top Cleveland Indians prospects lists, including ours. He comes in at number 13 on our list, winning the vote with 40 percent of all votes, edging our Nellie Rodriguez who had 31 percent of the votes.
Hillman was the Indians’ second-round pick in the 2015 draft out of Olympia High School. The 18-year-old could potentially have three above-average pitches as he ages – a curveball, a changeup, and a fastball that currently sits in the 82-92 range.
If there is a knock on Hillman at this point, according to scouts, it is endurance. Hillman tends to struggle later in games, but that is an issue that could resolve itself as he physically matures.
Minor League Ball, who ranks Hillman as the Indians No. 8 prospect, compares Hillman to last year’s version of Justus Sheffield, who was also fresh out of High School and is now one of the Tribe’s top pitching prospects. Baseball Prospectus has Hillman ranked as the Indians No. 8 prospect as well, while Baseball America left him off their top 10 list altogether.
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WHO SHOULD BE THE NO. 14 PROSPECT FOR 2016?
(ages listed are for 2016 season)
Shawn Armstrong, RHP (Age 25)
2015 (AAA): 49.2 IP, 2.36 ERA, 1.63 FIP, 38.1%, 12.4%
Dominated Triple-A all season long and pitched well enough to earn an August call-up. Threw 8.0 innings on the Indians and should be a factor in the bullpen this year.
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.
Mike Papi, OF (Age 23)
2015 (A+): 505 PA, 4 HR, 6 SB, .236/.362/.356, 117 wRC+
Supplemental pick of the 2014 draft who showed a great approach at the plate after a slow start in 2015.
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.
Nellie Rodriguez, 1B (Age 22)
2015 (A+): 460 PA, 17 HR, 1 SB, .275/.357/.495, 147 wRC+
First baseman with impressive power, and has reached AA after an impressive season in Lynchburg. As with many young prospects who hit for power, his high strikeout rate is worth monitoring.