Cleveland Sports Forum

Tribe to go with best-available player

Cleveland's first pick comes in second round on Monday in 2017 MLB Draft

By Jordan Bastian / MLB.com | @MLBastian | 10:00 AM ET

The 2017 Draft will take place from Monday through Wednesday, beginning with the Draft preview show on MLB Network and MLB.com at 6 p.m on Monday. MLB Network will broadcast the first 36 picks (Round 1 and Competitive Balance Round A), while MLB.com will stream all 75 picks on Day 1. MLB.com will also provide live pick-by-pick coverage of Rounds 3-10 on Day 2, starting at 1 p.m. ET. Then, Rounds 11-40 can be heard live on MLB.com on Wednesday, beginning at noon ET.

Go to MLB.com/draft to see the Top 200 Prospects list, projected top picks from MLBPipeline.com analysts Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo, the complete order of selection and more. And follow @MLBDraft on Twitter to see what Draft hopefuls, clubs and experts are saying.

Here's how the Draft is shaping up for the Indians, whose first selection is the 64th overall pick.

In about 50 words

This marks the first time since 1999 the Indians' top Draft selection will arrive in the second round. By signing free-agent slugger Edwin Encarnacion, Cleveland's first-round pick (28th overall) went to the Blue Jays as compensation. That makes the best-player-available approach the smart way to operate.

The scoop

Before signing Encarnacion to a three-year contract worth a guaranteed $60 million, the Indians spent a lot of time discussing the impact of forfeiting their first-round pick. In the end, Cleveland felt the opportunity to add a hitter of Encarnacion's caliber made the most sense, especially given the Tribe's current contention window. The decision was not made lightly, but the scouting and player development departments were on board.

"The value to a Draft pick to us is huge. It's substantial," said Brad Grant, the Indians' senior director of amateur scouting. "We can't afford to lose those picks, obviously. So when we go do something like that, we spend a whole lot of time talking through the impact that has on us for the future as well. Those picks are what kind of sustain our success. To do something like that takes a lot of time and a lot of conversation."

First-round buzz

For the first time in a long time, there are no rumblings about the Indians in connection with the group of players expected to go in the first round. With no pick in the opening round, Cleveland had to alter its approach to scouting this Draft class. The no-doubters for the first round only received a handful of looks by Tribe scouts, while some of the players pegged more for the second round and later got more extensive reports from the Indians' evaluators.

"It affects it a little bit," Grant said. "What we did to approach the top 20 players is we tried to get three looks at those guys, and that's it. If you look at the top of the Draft, names like Hunter Greene and Royce Lewis, those types of names, we didn't spend a whole lot of time on those guys. We effectively tried to work down further and spend more time deeper in the Draft and use some of our veteran scouts to see guys who were deeper in the Draft this year instead of the top."

Money matters

Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, each team has an allotted bonus pool equal to the sum of values of the club's selections in the first 10 rounds of the Draft. The more picks a team has, and the earlier it picks, the larger the pool. The signing bonuses for a team's selections in the first 10 rounds, plus any bonus greater than $125,000 for a player taken after the 10th round, will apply toward the bonus-pool total.

Any team going up to 5 percent over its allotted pool will be taxed at a 75-percent rate on the overage. A team that overspends by 5-10 percent gets a 75-percent tax plus the loss of a first-round pick. A team that goes 10-15 percent over its pool amount will be hit with a 100-percent penalty on the overage and the loss of a first- and second-round pick. Any overage of 15 percent or more gets a 100-percent tax plus the loss of first-round picks in the next two Drafts.

This year, the Indians have a pool of $3,829,000 (29th in the Majors) to spend in the first 10 rounds, including $969,900 to spend on their first selection.

Shopping list

The Indians' farm system is in a pretty healthy position, with a solid mix of prospects across positions. Expect Cleveland to continue to take what it deems the best player available -- regardless of position. Over the past six years, the Indians have taken a position player with their top pick. It would be easy to say the Tribe should continue to target pitching, but things can get a little more unpredictable when the first pick arrives at No. 64. The Indians hope that their homework pays off like it did in 2009, when the team used the 63rd overall pick to grab second baseman Jason Kipnis. In franchise history, Kipnis (20.2 career WAR, via Baseball Reference) is the second-best second-round pick for the team. No. 1 on that list is former Tribe slugger Albert Belle (39.9 career WAR), who was selected in the second round in 1987.

Trend watch

Cleveland's Draft class was fairly balanced last June, when the team took 18 players from four-year colleges, 18 from high schools and five from junior colleges. For their first 10 picks, the Indians nabbed six collegiate players and four prep stars. All three pitchers grabbed in the first 10 rounds were four-year college arms. In fact, the Tribe did not pick a high school pitcher until the 22nd round last year. The Indians have shown more of a willingness to take high school position players over prep pitchers in recent years.

"As soon as I say [this Draft class] is deep in high school arms," Grant said, "then we take four college guys and everyone says, 'What happened to the depth of the Draft?' The way we approach it every year is take the best player available for the Cleveland Indians. We're not trying to do all college players or all high school players. We're looking for the best player at each pick."

RECENT DRAFT HISTORY

Rising fast

At only 19 years old, right-hander Triston McKenzie is climbing steadily up the organizational ladder. McKenzie, who was taken in the first round (42nd overall) in the 2015 Draft, has turned in a 1.94 ERA with 192 strikeouts in 153 innings (through 29 professional games). In 10 starts for Class A Advanced Lynchburg, McKenzie had a 2.65 ERA with 71 strikeouts against 23 walks in 57 2/3 innings. There's a chance that the Indians could push McKenzie, Cleveland's No. 3 prospect according to mlbpipeline.com to Double-A Akron later this season.

"We always knew with Triston that nothing rocks him," Grant said. "We're going to keep on pushing him and keep on trying to get him to hit that adversity, but who knows? We'll see. He keeps doing what he's doing, we're in a good spot."

Cinderella story

The Indians took a skinny, control-based left-handed pitcher out of McLennan Community College (Waco, Texas) in the 16th round of the 2011 MLB Draft. Last October, that lefty, Ryan Merritt, took the ball for them in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series in Toronto and pitched the Tribe into the World Series. He instantly became a cult hero among Indians fans. Merritt is currently back with Triple-A Columbus, serving as depth for Cleveland's Major League rotation. Through 11 appearances, the lefty had a 3.97 ERA with 52 strikeouts and 20 walks in 65 2/3 innings.

In the show

The Indians have eight players on their active roster who were drafted and developed by the organization. That list included former first-rounders Francisco Lindor (2011), Lonnie Chisenhall ('08) and Bradley Zimmer ('14). The others are Kipnis, Cody Allen (23rd round in '11), Roberto Perez (33rd round in '08), Josh Tomlin (19th round in '06) and Kyle Crockett (fourth round in '13). Cleveland has 15 players on its 40-man roster who were drafted by the team.

"To walk through the clubhouse right now," Grant said, "and have all those guys and all of them participating, that's really a fun thing to watch. A lot of days on the road and a lot of time away from your family all comes to fruition when you walk in here and see that. It's pretty cool."

The Indians' recent top picks

2016: Will Benson, OF, extended spring camp
2015: Brady Aiken, LHP, Class A Lake County
2014: Zimmer, OF, Indians
2013: Clint Frazier, OF, Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (Yankees)
2012: Tyler Naquin, OF, Triple-A Columbus (disabled list)

Jordan Bastian has covered the Indians for MLB.com since 2011, and previously covered the Blue Jays from 2006-10. Read his blog, Major League Bastian, follow him on Twitter @MLBastian and Facebook. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Tribe to go with best-available player

Well, that's a novel strategy.

If they draft a HS player, they usually make sure they can sign him. Kids willing to sign are not necessarily the BPA.

2017 Cleveland Indians First Draft Pick: Quentin Holmes, OF

TONY LASTORIA

The Indians select high school outfielder Quentin Holmes with their first selection in the 2017 Draft...

With their 2nd round pick (#65 overall) in the 2017 Draft the Cleveland Indians have selected outfielder Quentin Holmes out of the Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School (NY).

Born: 7/07/1999 – Height: 6’1” – Weight: 175 – Bats: Right – Throws: Right

Tony's Take: The name of Holmes' game is speed and that is what the Indians are getting with this pick as he grades out as a plus-plus runner and is considered by many the fastest player available in the 2017 Draft. It's not just raw speed either as he already shows an advanced feel for his age using that speed as both a baserunner and as a defender. The bat will need some work but there is upside to it because of his quick hands, his athleticism and knack for finding the barrel. There is a belief that the bat could emerge with more development and as he matures and adds strength and learns to tap into his power more consistently. He is also a strong makeup guy with an outstanding work ethic, which are qualities the Indians have really focused in on in recent drafts with top picks - and he also shows some leadership traits as well. He's young and the bat may take a little time to develop, but the Indians have themselves an interesting prospect from a cold weather state they can potentially mold into a leadoff hitter for them down the road. He is committed to Mississippi State, but considering the due diligence the Indians make in ensuring their selections can be signed, the expectation is he will be signed and will probably make his pro debut at rookie level Arizona later this year.

Jeff Ellis: Quentin Holmes is a player I considered mocking to the Indians a few times. He fit the profile as a cold weather player who is 17 on draft day. His best tool is his speed - as a matter of fact it is the top tool in this entire class. It's a legit 80 grade weapon. His 6.15 speed in the 40 is the fastest time in the PG system all-time. He is faster than Billy Hamilton. I am not sold on his arm so he is likely a left fielder or centerfielder. With his speed he should be a plus defender. The hit tool is at best an average tool and I think the power will be a grade below average. He was taken because of his speed and youth. I would pay to see Holmes, Todd Isaacs, and Gabriel Mejia run a series of foot races. As of now, I might not slot him into the top 10 prospects for the Indians as I am not sold on the profile in terms of offensive production. At the same time, you never know when a kid will take a leap who is this young.

Press Release: Holmes, who will turn 18 on July 7, has attended Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School located in East Elmhurst, Queens, New York, playing at the varsity level in all four of his seasons with the Crusader baseball program. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound outfielder was recently named 2016-17 Gatorade Player of the Year for New York State, batting .420 with 7 homers, 18 extra-base hits and 33 runs scored during his senior campaign. Holmes also stole 22 bases in 23 attempts. The 2017 Rawlings Perfect Game Pre-Season All-American was also a member of the Under-18 U.S. National Team last summer. Holmes has signed a National Letter of Intent with Mississippi State University.

2017 Cleveland Indians Second Pick CompB: Tyler Freeman, SS

TONY LASTORIA

The Indians select shortstop Tyler Freeman with their 2nd round CompB pick...

With their 2nd round CompB pick (#71 overall) in the 2017 Draft the Cleveland Indians have selected shortstop Tyler Freeman Etiwanda High School (CA).

Born: 5/21/1999 - Height: 6'0" - Weight: 165 - Bats: Right - Throws: Right

Tony's Take: Freeman is an interesting selection here as the Indians possibly passed on other players with more exciting tools for a player who is just a good solid average player across the board. While he was drafted as a shortstop his arm is average and may not be enough to stick at shortstop, so a move to second base appears to be in the cards for him at some point down the road. He shows good bat-to-ball ability, hits a lot of line drives, shows a good approach and has above average speed, so there are some offensive qualities that have the potential to grow and show more as he develops. He is once again another high makeup player the Indians targeted in the draft and believe his high energy, work ethic, desire and coachability will help him achieve and possibly surpass some of his future tool grades. He has a chance to become a solid Major League middle infielder and at worst profiles as a utility player. He has a strong commitment to TCU, but the expectation is he will sign and he should report to rookie level Arizona later this summer.

Jeff Ellis: Tyler Freeman on the surface reminds me a lot of Tony Wolters. He is an undersized California shortstop without a plus tool who is likely going to move to second base. He is a player that scouts and coaches love - a dirtbag-type who does everything right. He also fits the Indians model of youth as he just turned 18 at the end of May. He has shown a strong eye and approach at the plate and does a bit of everything just nothing plus. In what seems to be the theme for the night other than age Freeman’s top tool is his foot speed.

Press Release: Freeman, 18, batted .526 (51-97) with 8 doubles, 4 triples, 4 home runs, 36 RBI and 35 runs scored in 30 games for Etiwanda High School in Rancho Cucamonga, California. He was named a 2017 Rawlings-Perfect Game 1st Team All-American after leading the state of California high school players in batting average. He was named Baseline League MVP, leading his team to a 27-3 record and CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) Southern Section Division 2 title. Freeman has signed a National Letter of Intent with TCU.

I am liking these picks. We haven't had a true great spark plug lead off guy since Lofton. I love trying to find another. And Freeman sounds like a possible dirtbag replacement for Kipnis down the line. I like that they are drafting very young guys who already have good approaches at the plate and great make up.

Hoynsie ...

CLEVELAND, O hio - The Indians, for the second straight year, have taken a high outfielder with their first pick in the 2017 MLB player draft.

The difference is that they had to wait until the second round (No. 64 overall) of this year's draft to select Quentin Holmes, 17, from Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School in Queens, N.Y. The Indians did not have a No.1 pick this year because they signed free agent Edwin Encarnacion in January.

The Indians, with their second pick in the draft (No. 71 overall), selected high school shortstop Tyler Freeman from Etiwanda (Calif.) High School.

Last year the Indians selected outfielder Will Benson with the 14th pick overall out of The Westminister Schools in Atlanta.

The 6-1, 175-pound Holmes was recently named the Gatorade Player of the Year for New York. This season he hit .420 with seven homers, 18 extra base hits and 22 steals in 23 attempts. He has signed a letter of intent to play at Mississippi State University.

He's a center fielder with speed, who projects as a top of the order hitter.

The Indians used the 71st pick in Round B of the Competitive Balance Lottery to draft Freeman. The right-handed hitting Freeman, 18, batted .526 (51-for-97) with eight doubles, four triples, four homers and 36 RBI in 30 games this season. He had the top batting average among all high school players in California and led his team to a 27-3 record.

Freeman, who has signed a letter of intent to TCU, will stay at shortstop. The Indians project him to be an average defender, but believe his best talent is his offense.

The slotting bonuses for Holmes and Freeman are $969,900 and $816,500, respectively.

The Indians forfeited their first-round pick to sign Encarnacion. The Blue Jays used that pick, 28th overall, to select right-hander Nate Pearson. The 6-6, 245-pound Pearson went to Central Florida and propjects as a hard-throwing right-hander.

The Cleveland Indians have selected second baseman/shortstop Tyler Freeman out of Etiwanda High School in Rancho Cucamonga, California with the 71st overall pick of the 2017 MLB Draft. He is currently committed to Texas Christian.

On MLB.com's Top 200 Prospect Watch, Jones came in at number 141, so he's talented, but not one of the elite prospects this year. With the Tribe taking Quentin Holmes at pick 64, I’m thinking they are hoping to go under slot with Freeman so they can give Holmes some extra dough to get him to sign.

Listed at 6'0" 170 lbs, Freeman has the frame to play either middle infield position, although it appears the Indians will first attempt to give him a shot at shortstop, since that’s the position they announced him when drafted. On the defensive side, scouts think he may move to second base in the future, but he may have the athleticism to remain at shortstop.

Here’s what MLB Pipeline had to say about Freeman:

When he's at his best, he's a high contact, line-drive hitter, one who should grow into some power naturally in the future. While he's not a burner, he is an above-average runner, especially once underway. If he can continue to swing the bat like he's capable, he could develop into a Michael Young type.

Shortstop is a decent strength in the Indians system, with Erik Gonzalez, Eric Stamets, Yu-Cheng Chang, Willi Castro and Luke Wakamatsu currently manning the position in full-season ball. I think his future is at second base, where the Indians could use a little bit of help since the only top 30 prospects Mark Mathias and Tyler Krieger are already in Double-A.

Not thrilled. Holmes is supposed to be a terrific baserunner who may be able to hit. We have Zimmer and Allen who can play very good CF and can do other things well, too. This guy is fast but apparently a LF. However, those who know what they're talking about, unlike me, rated him a couple dozen places higher than the spot the Indians drafted him; I guess the idea is he could be a steal or a he could be a bust.
The second fellow fills the Indians' perpetual need for 2nd basemen who can hit, running back from Scott Pratt to Cord Phelps and recently the Krieger-Mathias duo.
We need pitching depth. Hope they have something special up their sleeves for today and tomorrow.

BA's analysis of Holmes not too different from Tony's although naturally more succinct. More reason for optimism that Holmes could develop although it will take time. Not another skinny speedster. Sure hope he shows more than G.Mejia and my friend Isaacs.

Following a loaded Northeast class in 2016, Holmes is the region's top prospect in 2017. Holmes had success on the summer showcase circuit, establishing a reputation as a strong leader and an enthusiastic competitor. His defining tool is his plus-plus speed, which plays better underway than it does out of the box. His best home to first times are 4.1 seconds, but he often runs in the low 4.2s. Holmes has above-average hand speed and shows above-average barrel awareness. He generates torque with wide hips and broad shoulders, and balls really carry off his bat, especially to his pull side. He came out in the spring having added significant muscle, filling in his coat-hanger shoulders. Coming from a cold-weather climate, Holmes doesn't have as many reps as some of the other top prospects in the country, and could improve at a faster rate when he begins playing every day. He has the elements to develop into an above-average hitter with usable power. He remains raw in center field, but showed the ability to get good reads and routes during the summer showcase circuit. Holmes is committed to Mississippi State but teams love his all-around skillset and elite makeup, both in terms of leadership and work ethic.


Speaking of Tony, he'll love the makeup and work ethic.

And BA on Tyler Freeman:

San Bernardino County is generally overlooked in the nexus of southern California high school baseball, but Freeman forced people to pay attention with his performance. Playing at a school better known for its basketball prowess, Freeman hit over .500 in the regular season playing strong competition. Freeman's tools are largely average but they play up with his advanced instincts and motor. Offensively Freeman controls the barrel well and makes consistent hard contact with some nascent pull power, although he doesn't project for much pop long-term. His hands are solid and his arm is average, profiling better at second base than shortstop. Freeman is not overly physical or toolsy, but his well-rounded skillset, energetic play and excellent makeup appeal to a select group of teams talking about him in the top five rounds. He is committed to Texas Christian.


I guess we're one of the select group of teams that likes his excellent makeup.

Gritty!

LOL, thanks for the coverage you two!

Obviously we won't know how these guys will turn out for a while but I like this first pick. Love the fact we grabbed the best lead off hitting prospect in this draft. And maybe the fastest guy in a draft in who knows how long. Kid ran a 6.15 60. That's unreal. (One of the articles I shared had a type and said 40 yard dash, but it was 60)

I also like taking young kids that are already patient and have a good approach. The anti-Will Benson if you will.

So far I'm happy, and I don't say I like draft picks very often. Last draft I liked was 2014. Anxious to see what we do today.

As I noted previously second round picks don't often pan out. Kipnis of course did. But the only other major leaguers we picked in the 2nd round this century were Brian Tallett and Steven Wright. Everyone cites Belle, too, but he was exceptional since the only reason he was available in the 2nd round was his disciplinary problems at LSU. So good luck and we'll see what happens.

If the Tribe is drafting OFs with speed as their best asset, they haven't been paying attention.

We need some thumpers.

Just looking back at the 2013 draft. Tribe took Frazier at #5 and the Skanks took some kid named Judge at #32.

nuff said