Francisco Mejia is our No. 1 Cleveland Indians prospect. Who should be No. 2?

Catching prospect Francisco Mejia is our No. 1 Cleveland Indians prospect for 2018, keeping the title he held last year after defeating Tristan McKenzie by a full 237 votes. Mejia rose to prominence after a torrid 2016 season, which saw him climb to the position of top Indians prospect on just about every subjective ranking system.

The switch-hitting 21-year-old made his Major League debut for the Indians last year during fall call-ups, but didn’t fare too well, putting up a .154/.214/.154, slashline in 14 plate appearances.

Mejia spent the majority of his 2017 season in Double-A Akron where he slashed .297/.346/.490 in 393 plate appearances. He hit well, but his season was hampered by a few nagging leg injuries, although nothing appeared serious.

The Dominican Republic native rose to prominence after an incredible 50-game hitting streak in the 2016 season, which spanned from May 27 to August 13.

While catching is Mejia’s calling card, the Indians have Yan Gomes and Roberto Perez locked up through the 2020 season, so the Tribe tested the waters by having Mejia play third base during the Arizona Fall League this past year.

Mejia’s play at third base didn’t receive any rave reviews, but he recorded at least one hit in every game he played for the Glendale Desert Dogs en route to putting up a .365/.397/.476 slashline.

Mejia is expected to begin the 2018 season in Triple-A Columbus as he continues to refine his game and should to help the big league club at some point if there is a need for his elite contact skills.

WHO SHOULD BE THE NO. 2 PROSPECT FOR 2018?

Bobby Bradley, 1B (Age 21)

2017 (AA): 532 PA, .251/.331/.465, 23 HR, 3 SB, 10.3 BB%, 22.9 K%, 116 wRC+

A powerful bat that has leaned toward being a Three True Outcome player in the past. Saw his walk rate and strikeout rate both drop in 2018.

Willi Castro, SS (Age 20)

2017 (A+): 510 PA, .290/.337/.424, 11 HR, 19 SB, 5.5 BB%, 17.6 K%, 115 wRC+

One of the younger players at his level each season. Hit more home runs last year (11) than his first three professional seasons (10).

Yu-Cheng Chang, SS (Age 22)

2017 (AA): 508 PA, .220/.312/.461, 24 HR, 11 SB, 10.2 BB%, 26.4 K%, 110 wRC+

Displayed a significant power surge in 2017 in his Double-A debut, but at the cost of increased strikeouts and a major drop in batting average.

Nolan Jones, 3B (Age 19)

2017 (A-): 265 PA, .317/.430/.482, 4 HR, 1 SB, 16.2 BB%, 22.6 K%

Took a leap in his Low-A debut showcasing improved power, an elite eye at the plate and reduced strikeout percentage. Defense at third base needs work.

Triston McKenzie, RHP (Age 20)

2017 (A+): 25 GS, 143.0 IP, 32.8 K%, 7.9 BB%, 3.46 ERA, 3.03 FIP

Still working on velocity at such a young age, but already has a great curveball and an improving changeup. Led all of MiLB with 186 strikeouts in 2017.