When looking at the top pitching prospects in the Cleveland Indians’ farm system, it’s easy to see why soft-tossing left-hander Ryan Merritt has fallen off of the Tribe’s list. With arms like Rob Kaminsky, Brady Aiken and Justus Sheffield ahead of him, Merritt may have just run out of time to make an impression.
After posting a 2.58 ERA and a 13-3 record in 25 starts with High-A Carolina in 2014, Merritt took home the Tribe’s prestigious Bob Feller award. The award is typically given to the best minor league pitcher in the system, so it’s not as though it’s a small honor.