4. RHP Aaron Civale
Civale was a third-round pick by Cleveland in 2016, and proceeded to post a 10.1 K/BB ratio in his first full pro season with a BB/9 rate of 0.8. He’s a four-pitch pitcher, with command and pitch sequencing tabbed as his greatest skills in the absence of high end, lights-out stuff.
Civale’s future as a big league starter seems tenuous, with a drop in his strikeout rate last year (6.6 K/9). MLB.com’s prospect profile points to Civale eliminating a below average curveball and changeup, and becoming a multi-inning reliever focusing on his four-seam fastball and cutter.
The Indians have a loaded starting rotation, so there’s no immediate room for anyone else anyway as long as all are healthy. But the bullpen will remain a concern, outside of closer Brad Hand.
Civale is currently in extended spring training, as he continues to work his way back from a lingering lat injury he suffered last August. But once he’s good to go, and presumably steps up to Triple-A in short order, he’ll be on the doorstep of a big league promotion.