MLB trade rumors: Each team’s best trade chip

Cleveland Indians: Francisco Mejia

Certain prospect profiles will always fascinate MLB talent evaluators, and a switch-hitting catcher is one of them. Francisco Mejia is a 21-year-old catcher who hits from both sides of the plate and possesses an arm that has been rated a 70 on the 20-80 scale. Simply put, he has all the tools to be one of the best catchers in the American League when his time arrives.

Mejia has batted close to .300 in his four years in the minor leagues. He has an aggressive approach from both sides of the plate, but has a smooth swing that allows him to make hard contact to all fields. The right side is his power side, and Mejia will continue building more power into his game as he matures.

Behind the plate, Mejia has the potential to develop into a plus defender. His arm is his best defensive tool, and he caught 44 percent of his opponents’ stolen base attempts last season. He also shows good footwork and blocking ability with improving receiving skills. It’s difficult to project how all of that will come together in the big leagues, but Mejia has good potential as a catcher.

The Indians are nearly a complete team, and it is hard to envision them making any type of trade that would involve Mejia, the number-two catching prospect in baseball. After an aggressive deadline last year, the Indians can afford to make a few minor moves this year and allow their farm system to catch a breath.