Cleveland Guardians

Hitting: 55. Power: 50. Running: 55. Fielding: 50. Arm: 45.

TRACK RECORD: The Indians went big on the 2017 international market and Bracho was a part of that, signing for $1.5 million out of Venezuela as a top 20 player in the class. He missed the 2018 season due to an arm injury, but made his pro debut in 2019 and hit .281/.402/.570 as he ascended to short-season Mahoning Valley. Like the rest of the Indians’ top prospects, Bracho spent 2020 at the alternate training site.

SCOUTING REPORT: A switch-hitter, Bracho has a smooth, compact swing from both sides of the plate and produces good bat speed. He has an advanced approach and posted nearly as many walks (28) as strikeouts (29) in his pro debut. Listed at 5-foot-11, Bracho has more pop than his frame suggests and could end up hitting for at least average power. He hit eight home runs and slugged .570 in 38 games in his debut—big numbers for an teen middle infielder. Bracho was signed as a shortstop but has already moved to second base. His hands and range are good enough to keep him there, but he projects to be more of an offensive second baseman.

THE FUTURE: It’s been apparent why Bracho had as much hype as he did as an amateur. Now that he’s healthy, he should be ready for his first taste of full-season ball in 2021.

TRACK RECORD: The Indians' 2018 international signing class wasn't as big as the 2017 group that produced three of the club's Top 10 prospects, but Rodriguez gives it a true headliner. The Venezuelan was the eighth-ranked player overall in the 2018 class and had an impressive professional debut in 2019, earning a midseason promotion to the Rookie-level Arizona League. He stayed in Arizona in 2020, playing at instructional league.

SCOUTING REPORT: Rodriguez stands out for his consistency and all-around tools. He has a short, simple swing and an advanced approach at the plate. As he physically matures, he figures to develop at least average power and he has already shown the ability to drive balls to all fields. He's still learning to get to that power potential, and part of that adjustment is learning how to take his power-packed batting practice swing into games. Rodriguez has a bigger frame and may eventually outgrow shortstop. His strong arm and instincts will allow him to stay in the infield, likely at third base, if he does need to move.

THE FUTURE: Rodriguez is advanced enough to follow an aggressive developmental track, much like the premium players in the 2017 class. He'll be 19 when the 2021 season opens and should soon be ready for low Class A.

TRACK RECORD: Tucker was a solid player on the showcase circuit in the summer of 2019, but he took a step forward during the offseason when he grew two inches and put on 10-15 pounds of muscle. Limited to just a few high school games due to the coronavirus pandemic, he showed enough to convince the Indians to draft him 23rd overall, bettering his older brother Cole Tucker, who went 24th overall in 2014 to the Pirates.

SCOUTING REPORT: Tucker has solid all-around tools and stands out most for his feel for hitting and infield actions. He has a short, consistent swing and makes a lot of contact--a combination that should make him at least an average hitter. His swing is more geared to hitting line drives, but he can flash aboveaverage power and his offseason strength gains should help him get to it. He's at least a plus runner. Tucker has worked hard at his defense and has a good natural feel for the position. His actions, above-average arm and speed give him the tools to be an above-average defender.

THE FUTURE: Tucker fits in with the growing stable of young shortstops in the organization and will make his professional debut in 2021.

TRACK RECORD: Allen has been well traveled since the Red Sox drafted him in 2015 and signed him to an over-slot deal. He was traded that fall to the Padres as a part of the package for Craig Kimbrel and then reached San Diego in June 2019. A month later, he was traded to Cleveland as a part of the three-team deal that sent Trevor Bauer to the Reds. He spent most of 2020 at the alternate training site, but did get a couple stints in Cleveland out of the bullpen.

SCOUTING REPORT: Allen has a strong frame and a solid four-pitch mix. His fastball velocity ticked up a bit in 2020, averaging 94 mph and regularly reaching 96. His above-average changeup and average slider are his main secondary offerings, and he also will occasionally mix in a fringe-average curveball. He can throw his full arsenal for strikes, but he still needs to refine his command to get the most out of his stuff.

THE FUTURE: Allen's ability to pitch both in the bullpen and rotation is valuable, though he's still looking to establish himself in a role. He'll again be in the mix for a spot on the Indians' staff in 2021.

TRACK RECORD: Since signing with the Padres in 2015, Clase has been traded twice. He went to the Rangers in 2018 for Brett Nicholas, then to Cleveland in 2019 for Corey Kluber. In May 2020, Clase was suspended for 80 games after testing positive for PEDs. When MLB reduced the 2020 season to 60 games, it also reduced Clase's suspension to the full 2020 season.

SCOUTING REPORT: Clase has an electric fastball that regularly reaches the upper 90s and has touched 101 mph. His slider took a step forward in 2019, becoming a more consistent pitch as he improved his arm speed when throwing it and started locating it better. The pitch is now at least an average offering and plays well with his fastball, which has excellent natural cutting action.

THE FUTURE: Clase's suspension and the season's interruption obscured the fact that in late February he suffered a strained teres major muscle in his shoulder, which was projected to shut him down for a few months. He spent much of 2020 rehabbing in Arizona and will enter the 2021 season healthy and ready to pitch high-leverage innings.

TRACK RECORD: Burns was the top-ranked player from the 2017 high school class to make it to college. He stepped into the rotation at Auburn and starred throughout his college career, learning alongside Casey Mize and under Tim Hudson. The Indians drafted him with the 36th overall pick in 2020, the highest they have drafted a college pitcher since Drew Pomeranz fifth overall in 2010.

SCOUTING REPORT: Burns has solid all-around stuff and a good understanding of pitching. His fastball sits 93-94 mph and reaches 97. It's a plus pitch that plays up thanks to his ability to consistently locate it. He throws both a curveball and a slider and has worked to make them two distinct pitches. Both flash above-average potential, with his curve typically showing better. He also throws a changeup with good sinking action, though he didn't need it much in college. Burns earns praise for his dedication, makeup and desire to learn.

THE FUTURE: There is a lot to like between Burns' stuff, aptitude and the Indians' track record of success developing college pitchers. He could move quickly in 2021.

TRACK RECORD: Cantillo drew limited draft interest after sitting in the mid 80s in high school, but the Padres were intrigued when he touched 91 mph in a pre-draft workout. They selected him in the 16th round and went well over slot to sign him away from his Kentucky commitment. Cantillo broke out in 2019 and led the Padres organization in strikeouts (144). He was traded to Cleveland at the 2020 trade deadline as a part of the return for Mike Clevinger.

SCOUTING REPORT: Cantillo has a projectable frame and has already seen his velocity tick up as he's physically matured, with more still potentially to come. He throws his fastball in the upper 80s and the high-spin rate he gets on the pitch helps it play better than its velocity. His changeup is a plus pitch and has the ability to miss bats. His curveball lags behind his other two offerings, but with added power could become an average pitch. He throws a lot of strikes and has a good understanding of how to attack hitters.

THE FUTURE: Cantillo offers solid upside as a three-pitch starter if he grows into more velocity and refines his curveball. He may be ready for Double-A in 2021.

TRACK RECORD: Vargas was the Indians' top signing in the 2016 international class, signing for $275,000. Though he wasn't a high-profile prospect at the time, the Indians landed a premium arm. Even though he has yet to advance past short-season, the Indians were impressed enough with his progress to add him to the 40-man roster in November.

SCOUTING REPORT: When he signed as a 17-year-old in 2016, Vargas had an ultra-projectable frame and was already throwing 93 mph. His velocity has ticked up as expected and his fastball now reaches 100 mph and sits in the upper 90s. His slider sits around 90 mph and is a plus pitch at its best. His changeup can be an average pitch and gives him a viable third offering. He improved his strike-throwing in 2019, cutting his walk rate considerably. He still needs to refine his command and learn how to get the most out of his electric stuff.

THE FUTURE: Vargas has considerable upside and has given plenty of reason for optimism at the outset of his career. He'll get his first taste of A ball in 2021.

TRACK RECORD: Miller was a standout from the beginning at Illinois State, starting every game in his career and hitting .345 over three seasons. After an impressive professional debut, he spent 2019 in Double-A and led the Texas League with 147 hits. He was traded to the Indians in August as a part of the package for Mike Clevinger and spent the rest of the season at the alternate training site before finishing the year at instructional league.

SCOUTING REPORT: Miller's standout tools are his hittability and defensive versatility. He has a balanced swing, consistently squares balls up and uses the whole field to hit. His swing is geared toward making contact, but he can drive the ball, especially to the pull side, and has fringe-average power. Miller is a consistent, reliable defender whose tools play up thanks to his feel for the game. He's mostly played shortstop, but he has experience all around the infield. His fringe-average arm and average range may ultimately push him to second base.

THE FUTURE: Miller's tools don't measure up to some of the other infielders in the system, but he's a better player than the sum of his parts. His feel for hitting and defensive versatility are a valuable combination.

TRACK RECORD: Tommy John surgery sidelined Moss for his first two seasons at Florida but he broke out with a dominant start in the 2016 Southeastern Conference tournament, and the Reds drafted him in the fourth round. He's shown solid stuff in pro ball, and was included in the trade that sent Trevor Bauer to the Reds. He got to Triple-A after the trade and spent 2020 at the alternate training site.

SCOUTING REPORT: Moss has a big, strong frame and since getting into pro ball has proved to be dependable, throwing more than 130 innings from 2017-19. His fastball sits in the low 90s, gets up to 94 mph, and is capable of producing swings and misses. He combines it with a slider that can be plus and a changeup that makes for a quality third option. Moss pitched with average control early in his career but saw his walk rate balloon in 2019. The Indians have worked with him to get back to throwing more strikes since he joined the organization, but it's unlikely he'll ever have better than average command.

THE FUTURE: Moss did not make his major league debut in 2020, but, given the circumstances of the season, only so much can be taken from that. He'll likely return to Triple-A and figures to be in the mix for a spot in the big leagues in 2021.

TRACK RECORD: Allen was the 2017 Florida Gatorade Player of the Year, then impressed at Florida International and for USA Baseball's Collegiate National Team. The Indians drafted him in the second round in 2020, completing the pair of lefthanded Logan Allens from Florida after trading for Logan S. Allen a year prior.

SCOUTING REPORT: Allen stands out for his feel and competitiveness on the mound, with the knocks on him long being his size and lack of a big arm. His fastball velocity ticked up during the brief 2020 college season, averaging 90 mph and touching 95, up from averaging 89 and touching 93. The pitch plays up thanks to some deception in his delivery and his ability to locate it. His best pitch is his changeup, which is a plus offering and a weapon he can use against both lefthanders and righthanders. He started exclusively throwing a slider in the fall of 2019 and it has the potential to be average. His control was among the best in the draft class and he's a good athlete. A two-way player at FIU, there is some hope that his stuff could improve now that he's solely focused on pitching.

THE FUTURE: After nothing but success as an amateur, Allen will have to prove himself in pro ball. He'll begin that journey in 2021 and is advanced enough to handle an assignment to high Class A.

TRACK RECORD: Bradley has been one of the most productive players in the system since being drafted in 2014, and in 2019 he made his major league debut. He hit at every level along the way to Cleveland, including hitting a career-high 33 home runs in 107 games at Triple-A in 2019. He did not appear in a game for the Indians in 2020 and spent the summer at the alternate training site.

SCOUTING REPORT: Bradley's raw power is the best in the system, and he has shown he is adept at getting to it in games. He has a strong, physical frame and creates excellent bat speed that allows him to drive the ball out to all fields. That power comes with a lot of swing and miss, and in Triple-A he struck out in a third of his plate appearances. Bradley is a well below-average runner with an average arm, limiting him to first base.

THE FUTURE: To get a true feel for what he can become, Bradley needs an extended run in the big leagues. The Indians have several more experienced options for first base and DH and breaking through that group won't be easy. Bradley is still just 24 but it feels like 2021 will be a crucial season for him.

TRACK RECORD: Hentges didn't pitch much until he was a junior in high school and was one of the youngest players in the 2014 draft class. He had Tommy John surgery in 2016, but had a breakout 2018 in high Class A. That breakout slowed in Double-A Akron in 2019, though he improved as the season went on and was added to the 40-man roster. He pitched well at the alternate training site in 2020.

SCOUTING REPORT: Hentges has a big, physical frame that he has grown into since signing and he has the powerful fastball to match. His fastball averages about 93 mph and he can run it into the upper 90s. He overpowered hitters with it early in his career and now is learning to rely more on his secondary stuff. His three offspeed offerings have potential--his curveball flashes plus, his changeup has promise and his cutter gives him another option. Like many big, young pitchers, Hentges needs to improve his control and take better advantage of his height to pitch down in the zone. His arm action can be long, hurting his ability to repeat his delivery.

THE FUTURE: Hentges is a 6-foot-8 lefthander with a big arm who is still just 24. He needs to refine some of the finer parts of his game, but the potential is still easy to see.

TRACK RECORD: Clement's success at Virginia translated well to the professional ranks and he raced to Double-A Akron in 2018, his first full professional season. A right abductor strain slowed him in 2019, but he still played well enough to finish the season with Triple-A. He spent 2020 at the alternate training site and then instructional league.

SCOUTING REPORT: Clement embodies the saying, "Good things happen when you put the ball in play." He has an aggressive approach and an uncanny knack for putting the bat on the ball. He has minimal power and instead sprays the ball all over the field and takes advantage of his plus speed to get on base. Clement has above-average instincts defensively and good hands. The biggest concern about his ability to stay at shortstop is his arm strength, which is fringy for the position. His versatility allows him to play anywhere on the infield and he also has experience as a center fielder.

THE FUTURE: The Indians have toolsier shortstops than Clement, but he's proven to be capable of playing the position. He's fast approaching the major leagues and could debut in 2021 in a variety of roles.

Fastball: 50. Slider: 60. Changeup: 45. Control: 50.
TRACK RECORD: Wolf blossomed as a high school senior in 2019 by showing a dramatic uptick in velocity and continuing to throw strikes at his newfound speed. The Mets drafted him in the second round that year and signed him for $2.15 million, nearly $800,000 over slot for the 53rd pick. Wolf made his pro debut in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League in 2019, but had to work remotely until instructional league in 2020 after not being brought to the Mets’ alternate training site. The Indians acquired him after the season as one of four players for Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco.

SCOUTING REPORT: Wolf has a chance to develop three average to above pitches with above-average control. Multiple scouts have likened his body type and athleticism to Walker Buehler when he was in high school. Wolf ranges from 91-96 mph with his fastball and throws strikes. He has potential to pitch in the mid 90s as he matures, with untapped physicality in his lean 6-foot-3 frame. Wolf shows an advanced feel for spin. He calls his breaking ball a curveball but its shape and late, abrupt break at 78-81 mph are more indicative of a slider or slurve. Given his ease of operation, Wolf should be able to pick up a usable changeup and continue throwing strikes.

THE FUTURE: It will take time, but Wolf has mid-rotation upside and could blossom with a season of regular work. He should get his first taste of full-season ball in 2021.

TRACK RECORD: Greene first popped the summer after his junior year when he hit well versus USA Baseball's 18U National Team in scrimmages as a member of a scout team. He started slowly as a senior at Corona (Calif.) High in 2020 before the season shut down, but he showed enough previously for the Mets to draft him 69th overall with the supplemental second-round pick they received as compensation for losing free agent Zack Wheeler to the Phillies. Greene signed for an underslot $850,000 to pass up a Missouri commitment and made his organizational debut in instructional league. The Indians acquired him after the season as one of four players for Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco.

SCOUTING REPORT: Greene showed the most advanced hitting approach among the Mets' young players at instructional league. He didn't blink at seeing pro velocity for the first time, hitting 13-for-28 (.464) with 11 walks and seven strikeouts. Greene stands out for his smooth lefthanded stroke, athletic build and frame that can support strength gains. His short, simple swing produces line drives and could translate to plus hitting ability. As he fills out, he should develop more power and could get to above-average if he learns to lift the ball. Greene is an average, effortless runner. His instincts in center field require fine-tuning, and unless he catches up to the speed of the game there, he probably settles in left field with a below-average arm.

THE FUTURE: Greene plays with a quiet confidence that can be construed as lack of effort. If everything clicks, he could develop into a hit-over-power left fielder, a la fellow former Southern California prep Garret Anderson.

TRACK RECORD: Torres didn't pitch much growing up but quickly showed big upside on the mound after starting to focus on it late in his high school career. He made a smooth transition to pro ball and in 2018 excelled in the Rookie-level Arizona League. His progress was slowed in 2019, however, when he had Tommy John surgery in May and missed the whole season. He spent 2020 at the Indians' complex in Arizona and was back to full health in time for instructional league.

SCOUTING REPORT: Torres doesn't have a big frame at a listed 6-foot-1, but he has a quick arm and can run his fastball up to 97 mph. The pitch typically sits 94 and he pairs it with a slider that has plus potential. He is working to implement a changeup, which at its best has hard downer action. His control is also an area of focus, though he surprised with his strike-throwing ability during his professional debut.

THE FUTURE: Before the draft, Torres faced lots of questions about whether he could be a starter in pro ball because of his size and lack of a third pitch. His injury raised those concerns again, but the Indians are optimistic he'll be able to take the necessary steps in his development. He'll be ready for Class A in 2021.

TRACK RECORD: Valdes was born in Cuba, where his father played in the Serie Nacional, and moved with his family to Florida when he was 12. Though he was young for the 2019 draft class, he was one of the best prep defenders in the nation. He played at instructional league in 2020.

SCOUTING REPORT: Valdes had a glove-over-bat profile as an amateur and that has continued to be the case since entering the Indians' system. The natural righthanded hitter began switch-hitting when he got to America and almost all of his high school plate appearances came from the left side. He's made strides as a lefthanded hitter but he's still clearly better from the right side. He has a wiry frame and should be able to add more impact offensively as he physically matures. Valdes shines defensively. He has a plus arm, can make all the throws from shortstop and gets rid of the ball quickly. He's an average runner, but that plays up on the bases and in the field thanks to his quickness and instincts.

THE FUTURE: The Indians have a bevy of exciting shortstops, especially in the lower levels of the system, and Valdes fits right in with the group.

TRACK RECORD: Martinez is the son of former big league catcher Sandy Martinez, who now is the Nationals' Dominican Summer League manager, and his older brother Sandy Martinez Jr. is a prospect in the D-backs system. As a result, Angel grew up around the diamond and has an advanced understanding of the game. He made his professional debut in 2019 in the DSL and impressed as a 17-year-old. He came to the Indians' complex in Arizona for instructional league in 2020

SCOUTING REPORT: Martinez isn't the most toolsy of the Indians' lower-level infielders, but his baseball IQ and maturity make all his tools play up. The switch-hitter has a simple swing from both sides and can drive the ball to all fields. He has advanced plate discipline and walked as much as he struck out in the DSL--a rarity--and has good physicality that plays as doubles power. Martinez is an average runner, but still covers a lot of ground thanks to his instincts and makes sound decisions defensively. That, as well as his plus arm, gives him a chance to stay at shortstop.

THE FUTURE: Martinez could make a jump in 2021 as he makes his U.S. debut.

TRACK RECORD: Chang was a prominent prep player in Taiwan and was one of the top amateur free agents to sign out of Asia in 2013. His prospect profile rose as his power developed in the minor leagues, especially upon reaching the upper levels. He made his major league debut in June 2019 and has seen action in each of the last two years.

SCOUTING REPORT: Chang has solid all-around offensive tools and while his 24 home runs in 2017 now look more aberrational, he still has continued to produce. He is a patient hitter, but his willingness to work deep in counts leads to an elevated strikeout rate. Though Chang may not pass the eye test at shortstop, he can make all the plays at the position and is an average defender with average or better speed and arm strength. He's capable of playing anywhere on the infield--which he did in Cleveland in 2020--and has seen the majority of his big-league action at third base.

THE FUTURE: Chang is 25 and the Indians have waves of dynamic infielders closing in on the big leagues. If he is to seize an everyday role, 2021 is a critical season for him.