12up Logo

3 Indians Prospects Who Should Be Off Limits in Offseason Trade Talks

By Steven Kubitza

Daniel Johnson is just one Indians prospect who should not be traded this offseason.
Daniel Johnson is just one Indians prospect who should not be traded this offseason. / Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images

The Cleveland Indians seem set to make a big trade involving Francisco Lindor. Such a move could have prospects included to form a mega-deal. Losing Lindor is bad enough, so the Indians have to make sure a few prospects don't leave the organization as well as they enter a rebuild.

3. Nolan Jones

The Indians cannot afford to move the future of the infield.
The Indians cannot afford to move the future of the infield. / Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

Nolan Jones is the top prospect in the system and the future at third base. He can play there while Jose Ramirez moves to second permanently. Jones was a second-round pick in 2016 and reached Double-A in 2019, where he had a .370 OBP in 49 games. Trading him now would create an unnecessary hole at a position of need.

2. Daniel Johnson

There could be a hole in the outfield and Daniel Johnson factors in as a key piece.
There could be a hole in the outfield and Daniel Johnson factors in as a key piece. / Jason Miller/Getty Images

The Indians could let Yasiel Puig walk this offseason and that means he needs an immediate replacement. Daniel Johnson is that player. He came over in the Yan Gomes trade and spent most of the year in Triple-A, slashing .306/.371/.496. Losing Puig and trading Johnson would take two talented outfielders out of town. Johnson was a focus in the Gomes trade and needs a chance to prove himself.

1. James Karinchak

The reliever is the future of the bullpen for the Indians.
The reliever is the future of the bullpen for the Indians. / Jason Miller/Getty Images

James Karinchak is still considered a prospect even though he is set to help lead the bullpen in 2020. He only appeared in five games with the Indians after striking out 74 batters in 30.1 innings of minor league work in 2019. His name will come up in trade talks due to the years of team control, but he is too valuable to move.