The Indians front office has a decent track record for getting back more than they give in trades. For example; they traded Clint Frazier, Justus Sheffield, Ben Heller, and J.P. Feyereisen and received Andrew Miller. CC Sabathia for Matt LaPorta, Zach Johnson, Rob Bryson and little known PTBNL (player to be named later), Michael Brantley. Francisco Mejia for Brad Hand and Adam Cimber. Could it have happened again with the Yan Gomes trade with the Washington Nationals?
Most viewed the trading of Gomes as a mere salary dump and not getting enough in return. In reality, the Indians gained the Nationals 7th ranked prospect in outfielder Daniel Johnson. 17th ranked relief pitcher Jefry Rodriguez, and a PTBNL. Indians team president, Chris Antonetti said of the trade “With this trade, we feel we’ve acquired two upper-level prospects to add to our system. I can’t get into specifics about the player to be named later but will say, it’ll be another player of some value that we do like.”
Daniel Johnson was a 5th round pick of the Nationals in the 2016 MLB draft. Through three MiLB seasons he has posted a .281 AVG, 30 home runs, 15 triples, 57 doubles, 57 stolen bases. He can play all three outfield spots but has the most experience in center and right field. He has a strong and accurate throwing arm. It shows in the 28 assists he has recorded over three minor league seasons.
Johnson also has speed, a tool that he recognizes and says earned him the nickname, Jet. “Speed is one thing you can’t teach,” Johnson said. “Either you have it or you don’t. I guess it can be developed over time, but when you have a lot of speed, it’s not something you can teach.” His speed and arm earned him high praise from the Nationals. He covers the outfield gaps and keeps extra base hits from becoming nothing more than long singles.
Johnson is a lefty player who has some pop in his bat as shown by his home runs and extra base hits (MiLB .776 OPS). He has the attention of Indians manager Terry Francona. Francona likes what he has seen so far from Johnson this spring. “There’s so much to like about him,” Francona said. “Work ethic, the kind of hustler and player he is. When you see him play well you say, whoa, that’s what that could be. Now, he has to grow into consistency. He has to grow into being able to sit back on an offspeed pitch. It takes time sometimes to be able to hit an offspeed pitch, or a breaking ball or even to be able to lay off. But a guy that can hit a fastball, it allows you to dream a little bit. Guys that can get to a fastball, you can teach them.”
So far this spring Johnson is 6 for 24, with a home run, 5 RBI, and a stolen base. Encouraging numbers as he has faced Major League pitching in these at bats. He has also made a few spectacular plays in the outfield and has shown the strength and accuracy of his arm.
Johnson has never played above the AA level and will not make the 25 man roster out of spring training. That hasn’t dampered his excitement of being with the Indians and his future with them. He knows that he has a better opportunity to earn his way to the big leagues with the Indians than he did with the Nationals. “The outfield was crowded, kind of backed up in Washington, so after realizing that, I was more than happy to be traded here, I feel like I fit in with their plan here” Johnson said. “The big picture is always there, going to the big leagues. I’m trusting the process with Cleveland and just taking it one day at a time.”
With the departure of Michael Brantley, Lonnie Chisenhall, and Rajai Davis, there is plenty of opportunity for a new crop of Indians to earn outfield spots now and the near future. Young potential stars like Bradley Zimmer and Tyler Naquin figure solidly into the current Indians plans, but they have dealt with injuries and struggle against lefty pitching. Greg Allen appears to be a solid platoon guy. He can spot start, play all three outfield positions, and be used off the bench.
There are questions about Jake Bauers and where his defense position will be. Oscar Mercado and Jordan Luplow are knocking on the door and figure into the picture, although it is unclear as to when. 2016 first round pick Will Benson, while impressive, is a few years away from being MLB ready, as is 2017 2nd round pick Quentin Holmes. With the exception of veteran Leonys Martin, this is a very young, exciting, and highly rated group of outfield players. This group may compete and perform for many years to come with the Indians.
Could Daniel Johnson be the next gem the Indians get the best out of in a trade? Can he be the next outfielder, like Michael Brantley? A player who will help ease the sting of losing a fan favorite and All Star player like we had in CC and Yan? Will Johnson continue to impress, grow, and prove that he was worth trading for? All indicators are there saying, yes, Daniel Johnson just might be that next quality player the Indians knew they were looking for in a trade.
