Ten MLB prospects who should start the season in the big leagues

MLB Rumors: 10 prospects who should start the season in the big leagues

TAMPA, FL - MARCH 02: Atlanta Braves center fielder Ronald Acuna (82) at bat during the MLB Spring training game between the Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees on March 02, 2018 at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, FL. (Photo by /Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 11: Cleveland Indians catcher Francisco Mejia (33) at bat during the eighth inning of the Major League Baseball game between the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians on September 11, 2017, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH. Cleveland defeated Detroit 11-0. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

8. Francisco Mejia

The Cleveland Indians cup runneth over with talent at the catcher position, but their best option may be MLB’s top catching prospect, Francisco Mejia. The 22-year-old is a great contact hitter from both sides of the plate and has a rocket arm behind the plate. The Indians will have to try and find a way to squeeze his bat into the lineup with Yan Gomes and Roberto Perez already locked in at the big-league level.

Mejia has the potential to be an impact bat in a way that few catchers in the league are. As a 20-year-old in 2016, he put together a 50-game hitting streak and finished the year with a .342 batting average. Reaching Double-A for the first time last year, Mejia hit .297/.346/.490 with 21 doubles and 14 home runs in 92 games. He was rewarded with a stint in the big leagues in September and then had an impressive run in the Arizona Fall League.

Finding a way to get Mejia onto the Opening Day roster may prove difficult for the Tribe. Cleveland won’t waste its top prospect’s time on the bench backing up Gomes, and MVP candidate Jose Ramirez is firmly entrenched at third base. At-bats at first base or DH will also be hard to come by with Yonder Alonso and Edwin Encarnacion.

The Indians may be fine to send Mejia down to Triple-A to continue developing behind the plate for a month or two. Gomes and Perez offer little at the plate, and if they struggle, Mejia will be able to hit his way into the lineup.

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