MLB rumors: 5 prospects who can help the Indians in 2019

2. SS/3B Yu Chang

An international signing out of Japan in 2013, Chang hit 13 home runs over 127 games for Triple-A Columbus last year after hitting 24 homers in Double-A the year before. He continued to hit well in the Arizona Fall League last year (.337, ,919 OPS 17 RBI), on his way to being named to the league’s Top Prospects team.

Chang’s two primary positions, shortstop and third base, are being held down by Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez right now. But Lindor is likely to be out a while longer with calf and ankle issues, and Ramirez fouled balls of his knee and foot between the end of spring training and the first handful or so of regular season games.

The decline of Jason Kipnis has been notable, and he’s out injured again as of this writing. Chang played two games (17 innings) at second base during the Arizona Fall League, so in theory he could play there or serve as something of a super-utility player for the Indians.

The infield depth pieces at Francona’s disposal right now (Eric Stamets, Brad Miller, Max Moroff) aren’t exactly inspiring. Even when Lindor is healthy, and assuming Ramirez can quit fouling pitches off his lower extremities (or at least avoid a long-term injury), there should easily be a place for Chang in the big leagues.