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The votes are in, and LGT readers were jonesing for Indians 2016 second round draft pick Nolan Jones.
Jones was ranked as one of the better hitters in the 2016 draft class, but slid due to signability issues and the Indians were more than happy to scoop him up in the second round.
After a slow pro debut in 2016, Jones broke out in 2017 with an incredibly strong campaign, putting up a fantastic .317/.430/.482 slashline for the Low-A Mahoning Valley Scrappers.
After only collecting seven extra base hits in his pro debut, Jones teed off with 18 doubles, three triples and four home runs in 2017. Most impressively, he dropped his strikeout rate from 36.6 percent to 22.6 percent while maintaining an elite 16.2 percent walk-rate.
Jones is a rare combination of an elite eye at the plate with excellent contact ability and developing power. More home runs are definitely coming as he continues to grow into his 6-foot-4 frame.
The biggest issue with Jones is his defense. He committed 22 errors last year in 51 games started at third base. The ability to stick at third base will go a long way to retaining top prospect status.
WHO SHOULD BE THE NO. 7 PROSPECT FOR 2018?
Will Benson, OF (Age 19)
2017 (A-): 236 PA, .238/.347/.475, 10 HR, 7 SB, 13.1 BB%, 33.9 K%, 146 wRC+
Strikeouts are an early red flag, but patience at the plate and power make him an an exciting prospect at 19 years old.
Conner Capel, OF (Age 20)
2017 (A): 492 PA, .246/.316/.478, 22 HR, 15 SB, 8.7 BB%, 22.0 K%, 121 wRC+
Only Indians prep player from the 2016 draft to skip Low-A and he responded by blasting 22 home runs in his first taste of full-season ball. Huge upside if he can stay in center field.
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 combined (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.
Aaron Civale, RHP (Age 22)
2017 (A): 10 GS, 57.0 IP, 22.5 K%, 2.1 BB%, 4.58 ERA, 2.51 FIP
2017 (A+): 17 GS, 107.2. IP, 21.1 K%, 2.2 BB%, 2.59 ERA, 3.40 FIP
Converted reliever impressed mightily after being promoted to High-A Lynchburg in 2017. Has the best slider in the Indians system, according to Baseball America.
Poll
Who should be the No. 8 Indians prospect?
This poll is closed
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17%
Will Benson
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14%
Conner Capel
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32%
Quentin Holmes
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22%
Yu-Cheng Chang
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12%
Aaron Civale