The entire TMLR prospect team has been working long and hard to put together this year’s Detroit Tigers Top 50 prospect list. We have spent countless hours banging our fists on the table debating the observations and information we obtained from last season’s live looks and film study. The end result, a solid list that will ironically change multiple times throughout the season as the prospects and their profiles continue to evolve.
The list itself isn’t the only update today, though. As promised, The TMLR Board, our Detroit Tigers prospect database is constantly evolving. The board initially launched with our ‘19 Midseason Top 50 and 25 additional “just missed” prospects to keep an eye on. Details such as statistics, potential roles, risk, tool grades, trends, video, and full scouting reports were all located on our board; some tucked neatly under icons. Modest updates occurred during the season but this latest update is quite special. In short, Roger Martin is a wizard. The architect of the board took things a step further, creating TMLR Cards. Replacing the boring standard documents we once filed evaluations on, the new visually pleasing and more efficient cards will house our reports moving forward. A sample can be found here. Expect full scouting reports on the Top 50 prospects, to rollout in reverse order of ranking daily on these new cards.
With that being said, the entire staff is proud to present the TMLR 2020 Detroit Tigers Top 50.
Qualifications: To be eligible for the TMLR Board and Top 50, a player must have rookie eligibility / prospect status. To qualify for prospect status, a player must not have exceeded 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the Major Leagues, or accumulated more than 45 days on the active roster of a Major League club.
Primers: Tool grades are based on the 20-80 scout scale. The hitting scale & Roles and OFP — Overall Player Grade primers can be crosschecked with the charts below.
1. RHP Casey Mize
109 1/3 IP 2.55 ERA 2.69 FIP 0.94 WHIP 8.73 K/9 1.89 BB/9
The Tigers first round, first overall pick in ‘18, Casey Mize has pitched well since he joined the org, racking up accolades like his no-hitter last summer. Unfortunately he was placed on the injured list twice last season for shoulder inflation, souring most of the industry on his durability, or lack there of. An injury history that also includes, minor forearm soreness and elbow issues while he was at Auburn.
An obvious pause for concern, but I refuse to panic because the profile is so damn good. Mize has the frame of a sturdy workhorse and mound presence of a fierce competitor that always wants the ball. He has pitchability, deception and plus control with above-average command.
Mize boasts a well rounded arsenal of average to double-plus offerings. He can on occasion become cutter happy, abandoning his low to mid-90s fastball. Both pitches are solid though, yielding copious amounts of weak contact and ground balls. His plus, slurvy two-plane breaker and nasty double-plus splitter are his go-to bat missing offerings.
Overall there’s a role 70, ACE ceiling with impact, front of the rotation potential. Despite the durability concerns, Mize is arguably one of baseball’s best prospects. He expects to begin the season in Double-A Erie’s rotation.
2. RHP Matt Manning
133 2/3 IP 2.56 ERA 2.53 FIP 0.98 WHIP 9.97 K/9 2.56 BB/9
Detroit went full slot in ‘16, handing first round selection Matt Manning $3.5 M to forgo his commitment to play both baseball and basketball at Loyola Marymount.
A bit of a slow burn developmentally his first couple seasons, manning caught fire his ‘18 season as he finally started putting things together. His ‘19 season was even better as he dominated Eastern League batters with his overpowering arsenal.
Manning has grown into his large but athletic 6’6” 215 frame over the years. His balanced, fluid and well repeated athletic delivery now yields vastly improved command. His long levers create ridiculous extension that helps his mid to high-90s heat jump on batters. He leans on his curveball a bit too much at times. The plus offering is a nasty 12/6 breaker that has legit put away potential at the big league level though. His change-up has improved but it’s still a fringy distant third offering, giving him a moderate amount of reliever risk moving forward.
Yes there’s concerns, but minimal gains should iron out those deficiencies. Should the stars align there’s legitimate frontline rotation potential, mid rotation or high leverage reliever the likely plan b.
Manning should begin the ‘20 season in Triple-A Toledo.
3. OF Riley Greene
221 AB .271 AVG .749 OPS .131 ISO 8.8 BB% 25.1 K% 8 2B 3 3B 5 HR 5 SB
The Tigers went full slot in ‘19, handing first round selection Riley Greene a reported $6,180,700 to forgo his commitment to University of Florida.
The tooled up prep outfielder made noise in his pro debut, going 4-for-5 with a double and two home runs — the second, a grand slam. Green cruised through the Gulf Coast League and short-season Connecticut, earning a promotion to Class-A West Michigan.
Overall it’s a well rounded profile of average to above-average or better tools. His quick strong hands, plus bat speed, sweet swing and exceptional barrel control are far beyond his years. You’re hanging your hat on his plus bat and power because of these advanced skills. He’s a solid average defender that’s likely pushed to left field long term. A potential role 60 impact first division regular, Greene is without question one of baseball’s top prospects.
After a brief cameo last summer, Greene should begin the ‘20 season with the Class-A Whitecaps.
4. LHP Tarik Skubal
122 2/3 IP 2.42 ERA 2.11 FIP 1.01 WHIP 13.13 K/9 2.71 BB/9
Last season’s breakout prospect for the Tigers, was without question Tarik Skubal. The southpaw cruised through both the Florida State League and Eastern League; absolutely carving through the latter of the two stops.
Skubal’s sturdy work horse frame suggests a potential inning eating stalwart. The effort in his delivery and TJ injury history create a brief pause, and some natural reliever risk. The well rounded average graded secondaries pair extremely well with his mid-90s heater.
Overall there’s some realistic role 50, back of the rotation potential, with high leverage relief as a fallback option.
Despite absolutely breezing through his nine Eastern League starts, we expect Skubal to start the season in Double-A Erie.
5. INF Isaac Paredes
478 AB .282 AVG .783 OPS .134 ISO 10.3 BB% 11.0 K% 23 2B 1 3B 13 HR 5 SB
Infielder Isaac Paredes is a product of the package that sent Justin Wilson and Alex Avila to the Cubs in 2017. Seen then as the throw in or lesser valued piece of the deal, Paredes quickly solidified his prospect status after mashing in the FSL and EL in ‘18 at the ripe age of 19.
The above-average bat and power are Paredes’ calling cards. Paredes has quick strong hands, above-average bat speed and impressive feel for the barrel. He’s also a good, bad ball hitter. His plus raw plays down a bit, but yields impressive loud line drives and deep homers.Defensively Paredes is solid, not great. He moves well enough to adequately handle third base or shortstop — think Jhonny Peralta. Overall there’s body concerns, but a solid profile that yields realistic role 50, first division regular upside.
Paredes should begin the ‘20 season in Triple-A Toledo.
6. LHP Joey Wentz
128 2/3 IP 4.20 ERA 3.97 FIP 1.24 WHIP 9.58 K/9 3.43 BB/9
A product of the package that sent Shane Greene to the Braves last summer, Joey Wentz found a groove, absolutely shoving for Erie down the stretch. A welcome surprise after a challenging and disappointing first half in Double-A Mississippi. Over his final 6 starts — a span of 25 2/3 innings — Wentz posted a tidy 2.10 ERA and 0.93 WHIP, racking up an impressive 37 strikeouts to just four walks. Recently in an interview with Baseball America’s Emily Waldon, Wentz credited his late success to added focus on his change-up and curveball.
Wentz features a well rounded arsenal of average to above-average offerings, including a solid low-90s fastball, a hard low-80s 12/6 curveball and a change-up that’s his best offering. The fastball lacks significant late movement at times, but generates some downward plane. You hang your hat on the secondary pitches and are encouraged by the positive results late last season.
Overall it’s a solid profile with role 50 back of the rotation potential. After spending all of last season in Double-A between the two teams, we expect Wentz to start ‘20 in Triple-A Toledo.
7. OF Daz Cameron
448 AB .214 AVG .707 OPS .163 ISO 11.7 BB% 28.8 K% 22 2B 6 3B 13 HR 17 SB
Daz Cameron’s growth could have been stunted a bit by an unsupportive manager in Triple-A according to conversations and rumors last year. All that aside, the 23-year-old’s athleticism and the plethora of outfielders in the system can allow him to continue to work on hitting down in Toledo. He is near average in wOBA and BABIP. His upside on defense and speed can allow the Tigers to be patient; just like his approach at the plate which has one of the better walk rates in the system last year. If Daz can make a quick impression in Toledo this year, we don’t see a reason why we can’t get a cup of coffee in Detroit in September.
8. OF Parker Meadows
443 AB .221 AVG .607 OPS .090 ISO 9.3 BB% 22.4 K% 15 2B 2 3B 7 HR 14 SB
Detroit went well above slot in ‘18, handing 2nd rounder Parker Meadows a reported $2.5 M to forgo his commitment to Clemson. The brother of Ray’s superstar Austin Meadows, Parker has the size, tools, instincts and work ethic to perhaps carve himself out a successful big league career of his own. That being said patience is required with high risk slow burn prep profiles like these.
Last season was disappointing. A step back, after an encouraging post-draft cameo in 2018. The jump from short-season ball to Class-A full season is a huge test for ball players though.
Sans the hit tool, it’s already an impressive profile. You’re hanging your hat on plus speed, arm strength and defense and hoping the hit tool perks up even modestly. The bat speed, raw power and wheels could yield above-average game power someday too if the hit tool deficiencies iron out. The big league future hinges ultimately on the hit tool though. It’s naturally a long swing with a slow trigger and several inconsistencies from start to finish. His pitch recognition and passive approach also needs improvement.
Meadows will be 20 years-old all of next season. He’s tooled up. He has plenty of time. Meadows will begin the ‘20 season with the Class-A Whitecaps.
9. RHP Alex Faedo
115 1/3 IP 3.90 ERA 3.57 FIP 1.12 WHIP 10.46 K/9 1.95 BB/9
Alex Faedo, Detroit’s first rounder back in ‘17 had a solid season last year, reestablishing some of his prospect status.
The knock on Faedo has always been his conditioning, the diminished velocity and the copious amounts of hard contact and homers. Last season some of the velocity returned and he lowered his walk rate, while increasing his strikeouts.
Faedo sequences well, filling all four quadrants of the strike zone to refrain from predictable sequencing. If the fastball and change-up play average or slightly above, the profile will play fine at the big league level. Even though the slider is far from the plus grade it had during his glory days at UF, it’s still a useful strikeout offering.
There’s definitely room to dream and see a back of the rotation stalwart. A more likely future role is a solid 7th or 8th inning bullpen piece.
Faedo should open the ‘20 season it the Triple-A Toledo rotation.
10. C Jake Rogers
252 AB .250 AVG .845 OPS .234 ISO 12.2 BB% 26.1 K% 13 2B 2 3B 14 HR 17 SB (MiLB)
112 AB .125 AVG .481 OPS .134 ISO 10.2 BB% 39.8 K% 3 2B 0 3B 4 HR 17 SB (MLB)
After hitting 17 home runs in 2018, his first full season at Double-A Erie, Jake Rogers got off to a quick start in Erie before getting the call up to Toledo last season. The 24-year-old catcher continued his torrid defensive prowess after throwing out 25 of 47 runners between his two stops, while working on hitting for average, which was his biggest issue in 2018.
Rogers got the call up to Detroit in late July only to struggle at the plate both offensively and defensively, with a -1.0 FRM. Expect Rogers to start the season in Toledo to continue to work cutting down on his strikeouts and catching the top end pitching prospects that will likely start the season with the ‘Hens. This is a critical season for Rogers as he looks to finally graduate from prospect status.
11. RHP Beau Burrows
74 1/3 IP 4.84 ERA 5.47 FIP 1.44 WHIP 8.35 K/9 4.36 BB/9
Both statistically and developmentally, the ‘19 season was disappointing for Beau Burrows. Shoulder inflammation and a left oblique strain landed the Tigers former first rounder on the injured list. His velocity was down, walks were up and he gave up a ton of homers. Perhaps the culprit was the nagging injuries or the “juiced ball”. Regardless, ‘19 was a season to forget for the former top prospect.
There’s limited potential in the rotation without sizable gains in pitchability and command. The profile could be downright nasty in shorter stints out of the bullpen though, where the velocity likely perks up and arsenal can shrink and play up a tick. Stuff and fast pace, bulldog demeanor screams potential late inning high leverage anchor.
Burrows projects to open the ‘20 season in Triple-A Toledo.
12. SS Willi Castro
465 AB .301 AVG .833 OPS .166 ISO 7.0 BB% 21.0 K% 28 2B 8 3B 11 HR 17 SB
100 AB .230 AVG .624 OPS .110 ISO 5.5 BB% 30.9 K% 6 2B 1 3B 1 HR 0 SB (mlb)
Acquired in the ‘18 deadline deal that sent outfielder Leonys Martin to Cleveland, Willi Castro lacks impact upside but is a somewhat solid across the board, well rounded prospect. The 22-year-old switch hitter lacks significant over the fence pop, but he has shown the ability to pepper the gaps with a respectable amount of extra-base knocks. A fringe-average defender with a strong plus-arm, Castro can hold his own up the middle of the infield.
A low ceiling, high floor guy, there’s essentially very little projection remaining in Castro’s game. Overall the profile has second division regular upside, with a more realistic and likely role 40, utility future.
Castro will fight for a spot with the big league club, but the re-acquisition of Jordy Mercer and a crowded infield will likely push him to begin the season in Triple-A Toledo.
13. SS Wenceel Perez
459 AB .233 AVG .613 OPS .081 ISO 8.7 BB% 16.9 K% 16 2B 6 3B 3 HR 21 SB
Wenceel Perez needs a strong bounce back campaign to regain some of that prospect buzz he had coming into last season.
You were hanging your hat on Perez to be a sure-handed capable defender at shortstop with a strong arm. The errors racked up though and the range was not as impressive as it showed in past seasons. The profile and big league future plummets if he’s moved to second-base. It’s tough to carve out much of a big league career at the keystone with fringe-average to below-average hit and power — and that’s what we saw from him last season at the plate.
Wenceel has the raw tools and fortitude to overcome last season’s forgettable campaign. He’s gonna have to shore up the errors and show average or better at shortstop defensively. At the plate, it’s paramount Perez gets on base at a higher clip and drives the ball more consistently. As negative as the narrative reads he’s young enough and talented enough to turn things around and meet our second division regular projection.
Predominately because he’s Rule V eligible next winter, I believe they push the 20-year-old to Advanced-A Lakeland to start the ‘20 season.
14. RHP Anthony Castro
102 1/3 IP 4.40 ERA 4.13 FIP 1.37 WHIP 10.20 K/9 5.72 BB/9
The Rodney Dangerfield of Tigers’ prospects, Anthony Castro has flown under the radar for most of his career. Keeping true to the dramatics, Castro wasn’t protected making him a MiLB free agent this fall. He re-signed a minor league pact, and was a surprise addition to the big league 40-man roster at the deadline in November.
The undersized right-hander manipulates a fastball that sits low to mid-90s, scraping as high as 98 mph late in games. He sinks it, cuts it and it shows riding life up in the zone; giving the offering three different looks from the same tunnel. The power curveball has taken a backseat, as Castro’s primary breaker has become a filthy frisbee-like mid-80s slider that he unleashed last season. He’ll also mix in a fringy but improving change-up to keep opposite side batters honest.
Overall, Castro’s stuff can be downright nasty and untouchable at times. Consistency and improved command are paramount though for the success of his big league career. Used as both a starter and reliever last season, it’ll be interesting to see how Detroit handles his development this year.
Invited to big league camp, Castro will battle for a spot in the bullpen, he likely projects to open the ‘20 season in Triple-A Toledo though.
15. RHP Franklin Perez
7 2/3 IP 2.35 ERA 5.39 FIP 1.57 WHIP 7.04 K/9 5.87 BB/9
The Franklin Perez situation is undoubtedly perplexing. You’d feel more optimistic about two seasons of lost development if it was an isolated issue with encouraging updates. Instead it’s been a lengthy history of random setbacks, including two injuries that you hate to see in a pitcher’s jacket: a torn lat and recurrent shoulder issues.
Oddly enough his time away hasn’t sapped away any of his moxy or talent. The great arm speed, optimal extension and advanced feel are still present. He still possesses a deep arsenal, including three above-average to plus pitches. Neither the velocity or command have diminished either.
That being said, concerns are legitimate.
Despite having just turned 22 years-old, this upcoming season is without question a make or break year for Perez. The upside is real, so even though the prospect community has almost completely soured, I’ll hold on just a wee bit longer. If he’s healthy and logging innings, Perez likely becomes one of Detroit’s best pitching prospects again.
IF he’s healthy, Perez should begin the season in Advanced-A Lakeland where the org can closely monitor him.
16. OF Bryant Packard
135 AB .296 AVG .815 OPS .126 ISO 13.3 BB% 24.1 K% 8 2B 0 3B 3 HR 2 SB
One of the organizations best pure hitters, Bryant Packard might be Detroit’s best value addition from last year’s draft, where they basically stole him in the fifth round.
You hang your hat on the bat, where there’s legit above-average or better projection on both the hit and power tools. Defensively there’s minimal impact as he’s limited to left-field or first-base where he’s graded a modest fringe-average at best. The contributions at the plate are loud enough though for an impact bat first profile. If you can hit and hit for power, you’ll find a niche in the big leagues — Packard does both exceptionally well.
Packard carved his way through three levels last summer, and he projects to begin the ‘20 season in Advanced-A Lakeland.
17. SS Adinso Reyes
242 AB .331 AVG .887 OPS .178 ISO 5.2 BB% 19.0 K% 20 2B 1 3B 7 HR 3 SB
A priority sign in ‘18, Detroit inked shortstop Adinso Reyes for a reported $1.45 M on J2 international signing day.Gifted with a strong, mature frame, Reyes should continue to fill out nicely. A solid summation of average or better tools across the board, you’re hanging your hat on the possibility of Reyes’ frame and instincts yielding plus hit and power in his prime. Scouts believe his size and athleticism will eventually push him to the hot corner. It’s the prototypical boom or bust high risk, high reward, slow burn profile but there’s a lot to dream on.
Reyes put together a solid age 17 season in the DSL last year; and projects to debut stateside in GCL later this summer.
18. RHP Rony Garcia
130 1/3 IP 4.01 ERA 4.01 FIP 1.23 WHIP 8.91 K/9 3.11 BB/9
Detroit acquired Rony Garcia with their first overall pick in the ‘19 Rule V Draft. After briefly carving up the FSL, Garcia spent the majority of last season with Double-A Trenton.
Garcia pairs his low to mid-90s fastball with an above-average slurvy breaking ball, average cutter and fringy but improving change-up. The sturdy right-hander has a solid chance to remain in the rotation. Long relief or low-leverage work with the big league club, seems like a more likely role this season.
19. 2B Kody Clemens
458 AB .231 AVG .708 OPS .166 ISO 9.8 BB% 22.8 K% 26 2B 7 3B 12 HR 11 SB
With all due respect, Kody Clemens is who he is at this point — he’ll be 24 years-old this season. I see very little projection remaining. He’s a fringe-average runner and defender at second-base, with just an average arm. Clemens has bat speed but his impressive raw power plays down significantly due to his current approach and hitting deficiencies. It’s a loose handsy left-handed stroke with lots of moving parts. He has decent pitch recognition but struggles with discipline. Clemens is often exposed by premium velocity inside, and quality spin — both of which will become more frequent as he continues to climb the organizational ladder.
While this likely reads more negative than intended, there’s just too much pressure on Clemens’ bat to carry the profile. Today’s big leaguers at the keystone get on base and rake. If Clemens can shore up some of the hit tool deficiencies, walk a tad more and become an extra-base machine there’s a chance he can evolve into that second division role 40 guy that I wrote him up as last season.
Clemens should return to Double-A Erie to begin the ‘20 season.
20. OF Derek Hill
470 AB .243 AVG .705 OPS .151 ISO 7.2 BB% 27.9 K% 19 2B 5 3B 14 HR 7 SB
Prep outfielders with hit tool concerns are expected to be slow burns. Derek Hill, the Tigers’ ‘14 first-rounder took that expression to another level though, taking almost six years to come into his own.
The plus defense and speed played at the big league level on draft day. Nagging injuries kept him off the field year after year though, and the hit tool deficiencies failed to shore up, making the profile almost unplayable.
It’s still a well below-average hit tool. A shift towards selling out for power yielded more strikeouts, but the 24-year-old saw a surge in power clubbing a career best 14 homers. His impact at the plate projects to be minimal, but the defense and speed are loud enough carrying tools to give the profile a modest role 40, big league future.
Hill projects to open the ‘20 season in Triple-A Toledo.
21. RHP Kyle Funkhouser
92 IP 6.36 ERA 4.15 FIP 1.68 WHIP 9.59 K/9 5.67 BB/9
Drafted by the Tigers in the fourth found in 2016, Kyle Funkhouser dealt with injuries and ineffectiveness in Triple-A for most of 2019, and at one point he was sent down to Double-A to get back on track.
Funkhouser has been sidelined with injuries in each of his three full years in pro ball, including elbow inflammation in 2017, a freak foot injury in 2018, and a right shoulder impingement in 2019, and as a result he has yet to reach the 100-inning plateau in any season. He cruised through the lower levels, but he has struggled mightily in Triple-A, where he owns an 8.25 ERA over 72 innings. Funkhouser’s stuff is still solid, with a fastball that sits in the 91-94 range and touches 95, an above-average slider with good tilt, a fringe-average change-up, and the occasional curveball, but his confidence seemed to evaporate last year. He spent most games nibbling around the edges of the strike zone, leading to elevated walk totals and lots of hard contact. Given his injury history, his control issues, and the army of starters on his heels, Funkhouser’s best path forward is likely in the bullpen, where he could develop into a setup man if his fastball and slider play up a bit.
Funkhouser turns 26 this March, and he’ll likely begin 2020 in Toledo’s bullpen, but he was added to the 40-man roster this offseason, so he has an outside shot of earning a relief job in Detroit.
22. 3B Nick Quintana
232 AB .194 AVG .553 OPS .086 ISO 9.6 BB% 31.5 % 12 2B 1 3B 2HR 4 SB
Nick Quintana hist .317 with 35 home runs over three seasons as the starting third baseman for the University of Arizona, and the Tigers drafted him in the second round of the 2019 draft.
Statistically speaking, Quintana’s pro debut was a disaster. The Tigers sent him directly to low-A West Michigan, where he performed solidly for the first two weeks, but then went into a five-week tailspin that resulted in a demotion to short-season Connecticut, where he performed adequately for four weeks. Quintana has a quick bat, above-average power, and all the tools to be an above-average defender, but he’ll need to show progress in 2020 to avoid a steep decline in his ranking.
Despite his rough debut, we project the 22-year-old Quintana to begin the season in high-A Lakeland.
23. IF Andre Lipcius
253 AB .273 AVG .704 OPS .087 ISO 9.5 BB% 20.1 % 16 2B 0 3B 2HR 3 SB
Andre Lipcius spent three years moving around the infield dirt for the University of Tennessee, and the Tigers drafted him in the third round in 2019 after he set a school record with 17 home runs as a junior.
Lipcius had a solid pro debut in West Michigan, though the skills he displayed there differed dramatically from his amatuer scouting reports. The power he showed at Tennessee was largely absent in pro ball, as Lipcius used a flat swing and a contact-heavy, all-fields approach. He was also far better defensively than expected, showing a decent first step, solid range, and impressive arm strength and accuracy from second base, shortstop, and third base. For now Lipcius looks like a solid utility man, but if he can reintegrate his power stroke in 2020 and beyond he has a chance to be an everyday regular.
Lipcius should begin 2020 as the regular second baseman in Lakeland.
24. OF Jose Azocar
504 AB .286 AVG .715 OPS .113 ISO 3.9 BB% 24.5 % 21 2B 3 3B 10HR 10 SB
Originally signed during the 2012 international free agent class, Azocar bounced back from the brink of non-prospect status in 2018 to post his best year as a pro in 2019.
Jose Azocar spent much of his early career flashing impressive arm strength, defense, speed, and contact ability, but also displaying an alarming lack of patience, poor instincts, and little in the way of power. The pop finally showed up last year, with his 10 home runs more than tripling his previous season high, but the rest of issues remain. He’s hyper-aggressive at the plate, he’s prone to poor decisions on the field, and he doesn’t use his above-average speed very well on the bases. The sum of his tools give Azocar 4th outfielder upside, but he went unprotected and unselected in the Rule 5 draft in December, suggesting teams think his negatives still outweigh his positives.
Though he is probably ready for the challenge of Triple-A, the 23-year-old Azocar will likely return to Double-A Erie in deference to more highly regarded outfielders in the system.
25. OF Jose De La Cruz
225 AB .307 AVG .931 OPS .249 ISO 7.1 BB% 29.6 % 13 2B 5 3B 11HR 16 SB
One of Detroit’s two high-priority signings in the 2018 international class, Jose De La Cruz had a terrific pro debut in 2019, showcasing impressive power and speed while playing center field.
De La Cruz is an impressive athlete, and his raw tools give him some of the highest upside in the entire system. He has a plus throwing arm, his 11 home runs were tied for the most in the Dominican Summer League, and he was one of just two DSL players to reach double digits in home runs and steals. De La Cruz brings an aggressive mentality to every aspect of his game, but he remains raw at the plate, and he will need to improve his pitch recognition to find success at higher levels.
The 18-year-old De La Cruz appears ready for baseball in the U.S. in 2020, and he’ll almost certainly suit up as the everyday center fielder for one of Detroit’s two Gulf Coast League teams.
26. OF Roberto Campos
No Stats
Roberto Campos defected from Cuba when he was 13 years old, and the Tigers apparently secured his services relatively quickly thereafter, though it wasn’t until last July that he signed for a team-record $2.85 million. With no professional track record, and few other teams even seeing Campos, there just isn’t much to report yet. Most sources agree Campos has the potential for plus power with some feel to hit, and the Tigers think he has average speed, though he has already outgrown the infield and moved to an outfield corner. Campos will almost certainly begin his pro career in the Dominican Summer League.
27. RHP Paul Richan
123 2/3 IP 4.00 ERA 3.30 FIP 1.25 WHIP 8.37 K/9 1.46 BB/9
Originally drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the second round in 2018, Paul Richan came to the Tigers organization in late July as part of the Nick Castellanos trade.
Richan jumped over low-A and spent all season in the Florida State League, where he posted solid numbers with both Myrtle Beach and Lakeland. He shows some of the best control in the system, and he pounds the strike zone with all four of his pitches, led by an average low-90s fastball and an average low-80s slider. There’s nothing sexy about Richan’s arsenal, but there’s some backend starter or swingman potential if he continues to refine his command and secondary offerings.
The soon-to-be 23-year-old figures to start his 2020 season in the rotation for Double-A Erie.
28. OF Ulrich Bojarski
461 AB .237 AVG .659 OPS .128 ISO 3.4 BB% 21.4 % 21 2B 4 3B 10HR 7 SB
The Tigers signed Ulrich Bojarski as part of their 2016 international free agent class, and 2019 was his first full pro season. He started his season impressively, but faltered down the stretch, including during a 22-game sting in high-A.
A native of Australia, Ulrich Bojarski is a tall, lean outfielder who comes from a family of triathletes. The strength and leverage in Bojarski’s swing produce plus raw power that plays to average in game action, and he has the range, speed, and arn to be an average defender in an outfield corner. Bojarski is adept at making contact, but he’s still very raw at the plate, and he’s unlikely to reach his ceiling as an everyday regular if he doesn’t make significant gains in pitch recognition and improve his miniscule walk rate.
Bojarski will spend all of 2020 as a 21-year-old, and he should begin the season in Lakeland.
29. RHP Wladimir Pinto
61 2/3 IP 2.34 ERA 3.07 FIP 1.23 WHIP 12.70 K/9 5.11 BB/9
Wladimir Pinto signed relatively late in the 2014 international free agency period, but he has moved through the system quickly, and he reached Double-A last year while setting new career bests in innings pitched, ERA, and strikeouts.
Pinto has been a reliever since the moment he joined the organization, and he has the pure stuff to throw high-leverage innings in the majors. His fastball sits around 95 mph, but he can pump it up to 98 when he needs to, and his curveball is inconsistent but shows plus potential when at its best. Pinto’s well below-average command likely kept the Tigers from adding him to their 40-man roster in the offseason, and while he made modest improvements with his control in 2019, he’ll need to continue to refine that aspect of his game to reach his ceiling as a setup man.
There are a lot of relievers to sort through in Erie, Toledo, and Detroit, so it’s hard to guess where Pinto may begin the season, but he seems ready for Triple-A.
30. C Cooper Johnson
131 AB .198 AVG .631 OPS .100 ISO 9.6 BB% 31.5 % 7 2B 0 3B 2HR 2 SB
Known almost exclusively for his defense in his first two years in college, Cooper Johnson’s bat took a big step forward for Ole Miss in 2019, and the Tigers selected him in the sixth round of the draft.
Johnson still stands out most for his defense, where he’s a competent game caller, a good receiver with the flexibility and athleticism to block pitches in the dirt, and he has easy plus arm strength to keep runners honest. The offensive side of Johnson’s game remains a work in progress. He has above-average raw power and solid pitch recognition skills, but his uppercut swing is a bit stiff and he has trouble manipulating the barrel to make consistent, solid contact. With modest offensive improvement Johnson has a strong chance to be an MLB backup, though a future with automated strike zones may complicate matters for him.
Though he spent just a few weeks in low-A last year, Johnson figures to begin his year as part of a catching platoon in high-A Lakeland
31. SS/2B Sergio Alcantara
324 AB .247 AVG .642 OPS .049 ISO 12.7 BB% 18.8 K% 10 2B 0 3B 2HR 7 SB
Acquired from the Diamondbacks in the JD Martinez trade back in ‘17, Sergio Alcantara was considered one of the core pieces of the deal. Whiles there’s no denying his borderline double-plus glove and arm strength, it’s a tough profile because the offensive tools significantly lag. To his credit, Alcantara walks at a great clip. There’s bottom of the scale power, and it’s tough to project much higher than a 40 grade below-average bat though, if everything come to fruition.
With a crowded prospect heavy infield in Triple-A Toledo, it’ll be interesting to see if he’s promoted or repeating in the Eastern League yet again.
32. RHP Bryan Garcia
41 1/3 IP 3.05 ERA 4.32 FIP 1.11 WHIP 10.23 K/9 3.48 BB/9 (MiLB)
6 2/3 IP 12.15 ERA 5.31 FIP 2.10 WHIP 9.45 K/9 6.75 BB/9 (mlb)
Bryan Garcia gained prospect helium after carving through four levels in 2017. A substantial velo bump had the undersized right-hander scraping triple digits that summer. Garcia missed all of the ‘18 season due to Tommy John surgery. The command wasn’t as sharp, but he returned strong last season seeing action across four levels yet again, including a cup of coffee with the big league club.
The velocity has settled back down to the low to mid-90s, but Garcia mixes in a fringy to solid-average slider and change. The potential high leverage ceiling has subsided for me, but there’s plenty of reason to believe Garcia settles in as a solid low-leverage second division bullpen arm. He should see plenty of time with the big league club this season.
33. RHP Alex Lange
102 1/3 IP 5.45 ERA 4.23 FIP 1.56 WHIP 8.27 K/9 4.66 BB/9
One of the Cubs prospects acquired in the Nick Castellanos trade, Alex Lange was moved to bullpen once he joined Double-A Erie. His high-3/4 slot creates steep downhill plane on his low-90s fastball. Lange mixes in an inconsistent but average slider with slurvy two plane break and a fringy change.
He has issues repeating his delivery and command is bear. Sizable gains correcting these issues will be necessary to reach his role 40, low-leverage relief potential.
The bullpen is crowded at the top two levels, but Lange is definitely a priority prospect so I’d assume he begins the season in Triple-A Toledo.
34. RHP David McKay
45 2/3 IP 4.93 ERA 4.25 FIP 1.36 WHIP 15.18 K/9 6.11 BB/9 (MiLB)
26 1/3 IP 5.47 ERA 4.16 FIP 1.41 WHIP 11.62 K/9 5.81 BB/9 (mlb)
Acquired off waivers from the Mariners last August, David McKay finished the season with the big league club. He pairs a low-to-mid-90s fastball with an above-average, high spin rate sweepy breaking ball. Control and command have been the biggest thorn in the right-handers side. Despite the deficiencies, there’s solid role 40, low-leverage relief potential. McKay is expected to compete for a role on the opening day big league roster.
35. RHP Zach Hess
27 2/3 IP 2.60 ERA 3.73 FIP 1.19 WHIP 10.73 K/9 5.20 BB/9
Acquired in the 7th round in ‘18, Zach Hess saw action across three of Detroit’s lower levels last summer. Hess features an above-average mid-90s fastball that features steep downhill plane and solid arm-side life at its best. He mixes in a slurvy breaking ball that feature hard bite and change-up good enough to keep opposite side batters honest.
A rotation member at LSU, Detroit appears to have converted back to a reliever; a role that could see him rise through the system quickly. There’s role 40, low-leverage relief potential in the profile. Hess should be tasked with anchoring the Flying Tigers bullpen early on this season.
36. OF Kingston Liniak
220 AB .191 AVG .517 OPS .059 ISO 7 BB% 26.7 K% 8 2B 1 3B 1HR 7 SB
Detroit went above slot in ‘18, handing 4th rounder Kingston Liniak $900,000 to forgo a commitment to University of San Diego. The athletic, tooled up outfielder has struggled mightily over the past two seasons. It’s easy to scoff at the paltry stat line, but to be fair expectations were tempered on draft day knowing this high risk profile would be a slow burn. You hang your hat on his plus defense, arm strength and speed. The hit tool and power however continue to be a work in progress, and will ultimately be the decisive factors in his big league future. He’s shifted down the board a bit, but don’t get it twisted, there’s still plenty to be excited about. Be patient, Liniak will play all of ‘20 as a 20-year-old.
37. 2B / SS Jack Kenley
145 AB .214 AVG .668 OPS .145 ISO 8.1 BB% 29.7 K% 7 2B 1 3B 4 HR 5 SB
The Tigers acquired Jack Kenley in the 8th round of last year’s draft. Kenley lacks loud carrying tools, but to his credit there are no glaring weaknesses in the profile. A true summation of fringy to average tools, the one lagging tool, his bat, is better than last season’s counting stats suggest. The lefty batter has enough bat speed and barrel control to reach fringe-average potential. The defense and versatility is solid enough to move around the diamond and quietly carve out a utility infielder fielder future. Overall he’s a high floor, low risk prospect that should begin ‘20 in Class-A West Michigan.
38. SS Ryan Kreidler
228 AB .232 AVG .658 OPS .118 ISO 7.8 BB% 23.7 K% 13 2B 4 3B 2 HR 9 SB
Uncommonly tall and rangy for a middle infielder, 6’4” Ryan Kreidler manned shortstop for short-season Connecticut last summer. The Tigers fourth rounder lacks the power profile you typically see on the left side of the diamond. His well rounded, fringy to average tools provide Detroit with yet another low risk, solid utility infielder profile though. The 22-year-old should begin ‘20 in Class-A West Michigan.
39. OF Jacob Robson
409 AB .267 AVG .750 OPS .132 ISO 11.2 BB% 27.9 K% 21 2B 3 3B 9 HR 25 SB
A slash and dash guy, Jacob Robson has solid fringe-average impact at the plate. He strikes out a ton, but walks at a solid clip and his wheels help him on the bases. He’s an average defender that lacks a true loud carrying tool. A quality emergency depth piece, with a bench or platoon potential, Robson should begin the ‘20 season in Triple-A Toledo.
40. OF Troy Stokes Jr
322 AB .233 AVG .726 OPS .152 ISO 12.3 BB% 22.8 K% 22 2B 0 3B 9 HR 14 SB
Detroit claimed Troy Stokes Jr off waivers from Milwaukee last September. A disappointing ‘19 left the 24-year-old on the scrap heap, where Detroit acres quickly, hoping to recapture some of his earlier success.
An average defender forced to left-field because of almost unplayable arm strength, you hang your hat on Stokes’ above-average raw power and speed. His below-average hit tool is palatable thanks to a long history of walking at an almost excellent clip.
Another quality emergency depth piece, Stokes should begin the season in Triple-A Toledo.
41. RHP Wilkel Hernandez
101 1/3 IP 3.73 ERA 3.26 FIP 1.21 WHIP 7.99 K/9 2.31 BB/9
A product of the package that sent Ian Kinsler to the Angels in 2017, Wilkel Hernandez showed improvements across the board in his second taste of Midwest League ball last season.
Seen then as the throw in or lesser valued piece of the deal, Hernandez continues to hang tough, and quietly establish his prospect status. The sturdy right-hander continues to limit walks, keep the ball in the yard and fan a respectable amount of batters. Armed with a low to mid-90s fastball and fringy, but improving breaking ball and change-up, Wilkel has the ingredients and improved command to project as a possible backend rotation piece. It’s a high risk profile, in a bit of a make or break year, but Hernandez is one to keep an eye on this season.
The soon-to-be 21-year-old should open up the ‘20 season in Advanced-A Lakeland.
42. RHP Elvin Rodriguez
133 2/3 IP 3.77 ERA 4.06 FIP 1.18 WHIP 7.54 K/9 2.96 BB/9
The player to be named later in the ‘17 Justin Upton trade to the Angels, Elvin Rodriguez has developed into a solid return. He anchored Lakeland’s rotation, and showed the ability to pitch deeper into games down the stretch last season. Statistically and developmentally a success, last year was pretty, pretty, pretty good.
Boasting a respectable amount of command and a summation of fringe-average to average pitches, Rodriguez features a solid well rounded arsenal. Unfortunately, the lack of premium velocity, and absence of a strong plus or better offering curb my enthusiasm on his big league projection.
After a successful ‘19 campaign, Rodriguez projects to open up this season with the Double-A Erie SeaWolves.
43. RHP Hugh Smith
44 2/3 IP 3.63 ERA 3.40 FIP 1.26 WHIP 9.07 K/9 4.03 BB/9
A surprise sixth round pick in the ‘18 draft, little was known about 6’ 10” right-hander Hugh Smith. Plucked from a Division III program in Washington, Smith was said to have athleticism and high-90s velocity.
Last year, in his first full season of pro ball, Smith sat low-90s occasionally scraping 95 mph, with below-average secondary offerings. His height, high effort delivery and crossbody arm action limit his command. There’s some lotto ticket upside though, should the velocity return and one of the secondaries gain consistency.
Smith projects to open up the ‘20 season with a second season in Class-A West Michigan.
44. RHP Carlos Guzman
33 IP 2.73 ERA 4.72 FIP 1.24 WHIP 7.36 K/9 4.91 BB/9
An elbow strain in his throwing arm limited Guzman to just 33 innings last season. The converted infielder caught helium after the ‘18 season yielded a spike in velocity and flashes of a plus change-up. Last season prior to the injury, fastball velocity was down, secondaries lacked consistency and his walks were up. A definitive and unfortunate step back in his development.
Guzman looks to rebound from a disappointing injury riddled ‘19, likely as a member of the Class-A Whitecaps rotation this season. Although I believe the soon-to-be 22-year-old’s more realistic future ceiling is a low leverage reliever.
45. LHP Max Green
60 1/3 IP 2.83 ERA 3.79 FIP 1.19 WHIP 5.97 K/9 2.54 BB/9
Don’t be fooled by the undersized wiry frame, Max Green is a Judo master that pumps mid-90s heat from the left side. After sitting low-90s, he’s seen a couple velo jumps since joining the org, most recently scraping as high as 99 mph down the stretch in ‘19. The southpaw mixes in a slow 68-69 mph deep sweeping butterfly curveball that draws ridiculous swing and miss. The 23-year-old has spent the off-season working with ex-big leaguer Joe Beimel, focusing on fastball command and a slider to mitigate some of the huge separation of velocity in his arsenal.
Green projects to open up the ‘20 season with the Double-A Erie SeaWolves.
46. RHP Zac Houston
57 2/3 IP 4.53 ERA 2.79 FIP 1.34 WHIP 10.61 K/9 4.37 BB/9
Houston took a bit of a step back last season, after being one of Detroit’s most dominant minor league relievers since he entered their system as an 11th rounder back in 2016. Previously a big right-hander that routinely scraped the upper 90s, Houston’s velocity was down a tick last season. His breaking ball also took a step back, sapping some of the thunder from his profile.
There’s still some legitimate role 40, low-leverage reliever potential. This season will be a bit of a make or break campaign for the 25-year-old though. He struggled mightily after opening the season in Triple-A Toledo, but settled in nicely after a demotion to Double-A Erie. Houston should begin the ‘20 season in the Mud Hens’ bullpen.
47. RHP Angel De Jesus
61 1/3 IP 1.61 ERA 2.73 FIP 1.08 WHIP 12.47 K/9 4.26 BB/9
A slow burn that finally caught fire, De Jesus blazed through the MWL and FSL in ‘19 after marinating in the DSL for three seasons. Blessed with a sturdy build, a low-90s fastball with solid arm side run and an inconsistent but solid two plane late breaking slider, De Jesus anchored the late innings for Detroit’s two A-ball teams last season.
The soon-to-be 23-year-old Angel De Jesus struck out 85 and walked 29 over 61 1/3 innings, clearly underlining his biggest issue (command) and attribute (swing and miss stuff).
De Jesus should see time in Double-A Erie at some point this season, but we expect him to open the season in Advanced-A Lakeland.
48. RHP Keider Montero
47 2/3 IP 2.08 ERA 2.95 FIP 1.26 WHIP 9.25 K/9 3.02 BB/9
Keider Montero has gained some helium in the prospect community after cruising through the GCL and NYPL last season.
The undersized right-hander pairs his high spin rate, potential plus breaking ball with a fringe-average low-90s fastball and below-average but improving change-up.
Montero should continue to get reps in the rotation to continue refining his craft.His undersized stature and control over command profile may however be ultimately better suited for a relief role long term; where the fastball could potentially play up and pair nicely with the put away breaker.
The 19-year-old projects to open up the ‘20 season with the Class-A Whitecaps.
49. OF Brock Deatherage
451 AB .228 AVG .627 OPS .129 ISO 4.7 BB% 27.7 K% 15 2B 11 3B 7HR 45 SB
After a loud debut in the lower levels in ‘18, Brock Deatherage had a season to forget with Lakeland last year. Turn the page though, and focus on the positives, because the 24-year-old outfielder does feature some impressive carrying tools.
A solid, above-average defensive profile with impressive plus raw power and double-plus game changing speed carry the profile. Limited projection, an aggressive approach and strong hit tool deficiencies loudly negate and lower big league expectations though.
Someone that could greatly benefit from escaping the pitcher friendly confines of the FSL, expect Deatherage to potentially regain some modest prospect helium if he sees time in Double-A Erie this season. A crowded outfield depth chart and a poor showing in ‘19 will likely yield Deatherage returning to Advanced-A Lakeland to open the ‘20 season.
50. SS Cole Peterson
426 AB .261 AVG .618 OPS .056 ISO 5.4 BB% 12.7 K% 13 2B 4 3B 1HR 26 SB
Cole Peterson might be small in stature but his impact on the diamond is undeniably huge. The defensive wizard and human highlight reel split time between Lakeland, Erie and Toledo last season. The lion’s share of Peterson’s ‘19 campaign was in Advanced-A Lakeland where I had a front row seat to be both entertained and perplexed. Peterson’s glove and arm grade almost top of the scale elite; solid enough to immediately slot in and make a difference at the big league level. Unfortunately the hit tool deficiencies and bottom of the scale power limit the glove first profile and cloud his big league future. That being said, there’s enough grit, grind and work ethic to keep me a believer.
Peterson projects to open up the ‘20 season with the Double-A Erie SeaWolves.
