Aaron Civale had an impressive rookie season in 2019 for the Cleveland Indians, going 3-4 with a 2.34 ERA/1.040 WHIP–good for an OPS+ of 202. He did not strike out a ton of guys, only 46 in 57.2 innings, but he also only gave up 44 hits.
His success should not come as a total surprise. Coming into 2019 he was a well thought of prospect:
- Drafted in the 3rd round of the 2016 draft out of Northwestern.
- Since 2016 has ranked within the Indian’s Top 30 prospects three times, topping out at #14 following the 2017 season.
Civale game is all about pitching smart with plus control. He has a good arsenal of pitches, but his game will never be based on muscling fastballs past guys. With the loss of Bauer, Kluber, Salazar, and Carassco the Indians will need him to keep pitching well…the Indians one vaunted rotation depth is not what it was even a year ago.