Fansided

One prospect each MLB team should call up

By Joshua Sadlock

Mar 10, 2017; Peoria, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Ian Happ (86) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Peoria, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Ian Happ (86) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 17, 2017; Goodyear, AZ, USA; (Editor’s Note: Caption Correction) Cleveland Indians center fielder Bradley Zimmer (78) reacts after contact during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Goodyear, AZ, USA; (Editor’s Note: Caption Correction) Cleveland Indians center fielder Bradley Zimmer (78) reacts after contact during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland Indians: Bradley Zimmer

The loaded Indians lineup has very little need for reinforcements at this point of the season. After missing an entire season, Michael Brantley appears to be fully healthy. The only position with real uncertainty for the Tribe is center field, which is currently being patrolled by Tyler Naquin and Austin Jackson. Naquin had his fair share of defensive issues last season, most notably in the World Series, and Jackson cannot be counted on to be productive for a contending ballclub.

Luckily for the Indians, their top prospect is a center fielder, Bradley Zimmer. In three seasons in the minor leagues, he is a .268/.372/.445 hitter who has shown good power and speed. Zimmer is a consensus top-30 prospect in all of baseball. He is a heady player with good instincts in the field and on the bases. His instincts allow him to take off with good jumps, and he has stolen 82 bases over the past two years.

A team with its eye on the World Series does not need to be calling up rookies who are not ready to handle the pressure, but Zimmer plays with poise. As a college draft pick, he is closer to being ready for the big leagues than most, and should not struggle if the Indians have to throw him to the fire of a playoff race. There is 20-20 potential in his bat and legs, and if Naquin and Jackson struggle to hold down center field, expect the Indians to turn to their top prospect.

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