Cleveland Indians: Triston McKenzie is a top pitching prospect

MLB Pipeline is beginning to release their top prospects lists for the 2018 season. And one of the Cleveland Indians top prospects, Triston McKenzie, is one of the top right handed pitchers in the minors.

First, MLB Pipeline releases the top ten prospects at every position. After that, the Top 100 is announced, with team’s individual top 30 lists following in February. The first of these positions is the right handed pitchers.

The Indians’ competitive balance pick back in 2015, Triston McKenzie, is rated as the ninth best RHP prospect in baseball. McKenzie spent 2017 with the High A Lynchburg Hillcats, and pitched to a 3.46 ERA over 25 starts.

McKenzie has two plus-pitches in his fastball and curveball. His slider is also above average. The 20 year old was drafted by the Cleveland Indians out of high school and has progressed much faster than anticipated. He could reach his ceiling of a #2 or #3 starter in the big leagues very quickly.

The 6’5″ righty has a lot of power in his body but still has room to add more. He is only 165 pounds, despite his tall frame, and with added strength, he could get even better.

In last year’s edition of the top prospects list, McKenzie was listed as the 21st overall prospect and the eighth best right handed pitcher. Now, he’s listed as the ninth best, dropping one spot in the rankings. The main reason for that fall is the addition of Shohei Ohtani to the list. Being the most hyped addition to baseball has its perks for Ohtani. It’s unknown where McKenzie will place in the overall list. That will be announced on January 27th.

When will we see McKenzie in Cleveland?

McKenzie is projected to reach the big leagues in 2019. He should start this season in Double-A, and if his success continues, it’s not out of the question for him to reach Triple-A by the season’s end.

With McKenzie being one of the top prospects in an overall weak Cleveland Indians farm system, his progress this year will be important to the future of the organization. If he can continue to improve and show that he belongs in a future Indians rotation, he will be a future stud for the team.

Next: February TV schedule

Tomorrow, MLB Pipeline will release the top ten left handed pitchers, and then the position players will follow after. With Francisco Mejia and Bobby Bradley making position lists last year, hopefully more will soon follow.