Detroit Tigers 2021 Top 50 Prospects

January 3, 2021 Kurt Moody AL Central, General, MiLB, Tigers, Top 50 Lists 8

Graphic design by John Stewart, @jonance on Twitter
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While the 2020 Detroit Tigers finished last in the AL Central with a 23-35 record, the shortened season saw the MLB Debuts of the Tigers top prospects: Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal, Isaac Paredes, and Daz Cameron headlining the list. Each of these debuts left a lot to be desired, but each player showed glimpses of the bright future ahead in the Motor City. Tigers fans must realize any MLB-game experience did nothing but develop these top prospects in a year where no MiLB games were played.

For the Tigers, the start of the 2021 MLB and MiLB seasons cannot come soon enough. In an off-season that saw the addition of 2020 #1 Draft Pick Spencer Torkelson and the hiring of new manager AJ Hinch, the continued rebuild of the Tigers took a couple massive leaps forward. Adding a prospect of Torkelson’s stature instantly adds excitement at the very top of the prospect rankings.


Not since the late 1970’s and early 1980’s did the Tigers have this promising of a prospect core from drafted talent. I am not suggesting there are multiple future Hall of Famers in these rankings but expecting the Detroit Tigers to compete for pennants and titles in the next five years is not a complete Homer Smoke Dream.

Below is the Prospects1500 tier system used to ranked players. It simply gives an indication of the production expected from a player at the MLB level.

Tier 1: Players with high expectations of both making the majors and playing at an All-Star level for a number of years
Tier 2: Players with an above average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 3: Players with an average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 4: Players who have the potential of making the majors, or have high likelihood of making the majors but providing minimal impact (e.g. middle reliever, low-ceiling UT guys)
Tier 5: Players who are worth keeping an eye on, but likely to never make a team’s 40-man roster

Without further ado, grab a cold Vernors, a bag of Better Made, and let’s take a deep dive into the Detroit Tigers farm system.

Tier 1

1. Spencer Torkelson, 1B/3B (2020 Rank: Unranked)
Age: 21
Highest Level: College

Torkelson immediately became the Tigers #1 prospect when drafted #1 overall in 2020 out of Arizona State. The combination of raw power, bat speed, and strength project Torkelson as a perennial All-Star and MVP candidate. Unlike other power hitters, Torkelson doesn’t sellout for power, but rather achieves it through mechanics and athleticism. With the ability to leave the park in all directions, Spencer is an elite hitter. Defensively, Torkelson is an average corner infielder who could end up at 1B if Isaac Paredes seizes the opportunity to be the 3B. While Torkelson has the tools to face MLB pitching right now, look for 2021 to be spent in Erie and Toledo. There is absolutely no rush to get Torkelson to Detroit, and a 2022 Opening Day with Torkelson and Riley Greene in the lineup is every Tigers fan’s dream.

2. Casey Mize, RHP (2020 Rank: 1)
Age: 23
Highest Level: MLB

Mize’s MLB Debut in 2020 did not live up to the expectations of the #1 Overall pick in 2019, seeing him go winless in seven starts and posting an ERA of 6.99. Mechanics and command got the best of Mize as he continually lost pitcher’s counts to established MLB hitters. First Pitch Strikes were key to the few innings where Mize excelled, but over the course of his 28.1 IP, Mize only threw 61% of his pitches for strikes. Mize has four pitches that grade above average and when the command is there, he gets swing and misses both in the zone and outside. The concern with the below average debut is mental along with mechanical. Mize has a strong work ethic and strives to learn from veteran pitchers and coaches. Do not look at the W/L totals of 2021, but rather on the WHIP, K:BB, and pitch counts; those areas must develop further.

3. Riley Greene, OF (2020 Rank: 3)
Age: 20
Highest Level: A

Greene has a left-handed swing that is as balanced and technically sound as it is powerful. With above average bat speed through the zone, Greene maintains high contact numbers and limits his swing and misses. Only thing his approach needs is more exposure to MLB level pitching to perfect timing and pitch recognition. The lone below average tool is his arm strength and accuracy in the outfield. Greene has the closing speed and intelligence to play every day in Comerica Park’s large outfield. Riley benefited from being part of the Tigers 2020 Player Pool and should spend 2021 in Erie & Toledo gearing up for a huge debut in 2022.

4. Tarik Skubal, LHP (2020 Rank: 5)
Age: 24
Highest Level: MLB

Skubal had probably the best MLB Debut in 2020 between him and Mize. In Skubal’s eight appearances, he surrendered 2 ER or less in six of them. Skubal also flashed 37 K’s over only 32 IP. Skubal’s record suffered due to the Tigers offense or lack thereof, only giving him 3.12 runs per start in support. In 2021, the changeup and curveball need to be further developed to keep batters from locking in on his fastball. Hopefully, Skubal starts the season at the #3 spot to get him an opening series home start against the Indians. At 24, the next five years of Skubal in his prime will be awesome to watch with the fellow young pitchers surrounding him.

Tier 2

5. Matt Manning, RHP (2020 Rank: 2)
Age: 22
Highest Level: AA

An obvious athletic build with above average intelligence, Manning has developed his tools every year since being drafted. Some scouts project Manning ahead of Mize & Skubal based on his younger age and current arsenal. A fast ball that features down-spin and a filthy curveball allow Manning to keep batters off balance and creates consistent swing and misses. There is pause for concern on Manning’s recent forearm strains as he progresses to the Majors. Manning will see MLB action in 2021, the question will be at what time. A future Mize-Skubal-Manning rotation is very close to fruition.

6. Isaac Paredes, 3B/SS (2020 Rank: 4)
Age: 21
Highest Level: MLB

Getting 100 AB’s in 34 games for Detroit in 2020, Paredes showed glimpses of what makes him a Top 10 prospect. Over the four-year road to Detroit, Paredes showed great plate discipline, nearly keeping a 1:1 K/BB ratio. Paredes seemed to press his batting approach in 2020, leading to only 8 BB’s versus 24 K’s. Paredes’ speed is virtually nonexistent, so he must rely on gap power to get extra bases. A more patient approach at the plate and being able to identify MLB pitches will be paramount to Paredes’ rookie campaign in 2021.

7. Dillon Dingler, C (2020 Rank: Unranked)
Age: 22
Highest Level: College

Looking past Dingler’s poor choice of colleges (ohio), his glove, position flexibility, and leadership qualities give Dingler an above average projection right out of the 2020 Draft. His ability to call a MLB game and handle a young rotation will be benefited by having manger AJ Hinch in the dugout. If the Tigers can add another veteran catcher to the organization (hearing Yadier Molina in multiple channels), Dingler could develop even faster. Dingler could be an All-Star during his prime years if the contact hitting develops versus a power-or-nothing approach.

8. Joey Wentz, LHP (2020 Rank: 10)
Age: 23
Highest Level: AA

The key piece in the 2019 Shane Greene trade with Atlanta, Wentz immediately embraced the change in scenery. Although Wentz doesn’t have the over-powering arsenal of Mize, Skubal, or Manning, his ability to command the zone might be the best in the system. Tommy John Surgery in 2020 means a delay in his game experience, but Wentz should be able to return to all pre-operation abilities. As long as the recovery and rehab exhibit no setbacks, Wentz projects to be an above average #4 starter.

9. Daz Cameron, OF (2020 Rank: 6)
Age: 23
Highest Level: MLB

With the injuries to Franklin Perez and the hitting struggles of Jake Rogers, Cameron has quickly become the Tigers last hope to win any part of the Verlander trade with Houston. Speed and defense is not an issue, and will be the sole reason Cameron is on the MLB roster in 2021. The approach at the plate needs to improve for Cameron to be an every day outfielder; batting under .200 in 57 AB’s in Detroit’s 2020 season. Cameron needs to see more pitches and not expand the zone for opposing pitchers, allowing his speed to be on base more frequently.

10. Alex Faedo, RHP (2020 Rank: 8)
Age: 25
Highest Level: AA

While preparing this list, the Tigers announced Tommy John Surgery for Faedo, sidelining him for the 2021 season. Combine this lost season with knee surgeries in 2016, back strains in 2019, and forearm strains in 2020 and it is a frustrating career path for the former 1st round pick. When healthy, Faedo’s combination of his fastball and slider was above average, leading to great K:BB numbers. At this point, the Tigers first priority is the recovery, rehab, and longterm health of Alex’s arm. When Faedo does return, a one-inning, shutdown bullpen projection is likely.

Tier 3

11. Parker Meadows, OF (2020 Rank: 7)
Age: 21
Highest Level: A

At 6’5”/205, Meadows has the size and raw athleticism to become an everyday player in the MLB. Above average arm strength and speed allow Meadows to play any outfield position but will probably settle in a corner spot. Parker needs to continue to work on consistent batting approach, as his pitch identification and swing length need improvement. Meadows projects to be a 20/20 threat is the discipline at the plate increases.

12. Daniel Cabrera, OF (2020 Rank: Unranked)
Age: 22
Highest Level: College

The 62nd pick in the 2020 Draft, Cabrera shows great plate discipline and pitch recognition in his approach. A line-drive, level swing allows Cabrera to hit to all fields and find gaps. While his hitting will quickly be MLB ready, Cabrera will need to be a crafty, intelligent base runner as his speed is not a plus-tool. An outfield of Meadows-Greene-Cabrera has potential to be a 2022-23 reality that would excite any Tigers fan.

13. Franklin Perez, RHP (2020 Rank: 12)
Age: 23
Highest Level: AA (HOU 2017)

The evaluation of Perez starts and ends with one phrase: injury prone. The headline prospect in the Justin Verlander trade to Houston in 2017, Perez has only thrown 27 IP since the trade! How to properly evaluate a pitcher with very limited game action?? When Perez has been able to pitch, his potential is impressive. A dominating fastball paired with an above average curve out of the same arm slot. 2021 is the make-or-break campaign for Franklin, as the patience of the Tigers organization is waning.

14. Bryant Packard, OF (2020 Rank: 19)
Age: 23
Highest Level: A+

A purely offensive prospect, Packard exhibits above average power to all fields and experienced plate discipline on off-speed pitches. Packard has shown the ability to hit advanced pitching and should continue to develop as a contact hitter. A shift to 1B could fast track his route to MLB, but there is still defensive shortcomings to grade out of.

15. Beau Burrows, RHP (2020 Rank: 14)
Age: 24
Highest Level: MLB

The 2015 1st rounder made his MLB Debut in 2020, throwing just 6.2 IP. Burrows spent the Summer Camp of 2020 retooling his mechanics, “It was my arm path, arm action, and being on time with the lower half and really being in sync. Once that clicked, it felt normal.” While many in the organization have moved on from Burrows as a rotation piece, there is still hope he becomes a reliable bullpen arm. A move to the bullpen will also allow Burrows to hone in 2-3 pitches, rather than a 4 pitch arsenal he throws as a starter.

16. Jake Rogers, C (2020 Rank: 11)
Age: 25
Highest Level: MLB

Remember in 2019 when Rogers started 34 games and had 112 AB’s? Only to have zero games and zero AB’s in 2020? The arrival of manager AJ Hinch might be the best news for Rogers in 2021. Rogers has always been a plus-tool defender, but his bat prevents him from everyday catching duties. Rogers will be given every opportunity by Hinch to improve his plate approach and develop a more level swing aimed at barrel contact and average.

17. Wenceel Perez, SS (2020 Rank: 16)
Age: 21
Highest Level: A

A glove-first infielder with above average athleticism and range, Perez has the defensive tools to be a promising middle infielder if he works on his arm accuracy; 33 errors in 2019. Perez lacks the approach at the plate to slot him higher than a defensive utility player. Perez was one of the most impacted prospects of the cancelled 2020 MiLB season. Should the hitting and power numbers increase, Perez could move up the Tigers system and find himself batting leadoff.

18. Roberto Campos, OF (2020 Rank: 25)
Age: 17
Highest Level: Rookie

The youngest player to make the list, Campos shows above average power to all fields and bat speed that rivals only the Tigers top prospects. The unknown surrounds Campos’ projection with limited game exposure since his defection from Cuba at age 13. As his frame fills in, more will be known about his defensive range and speed, but right now there is no denying his power at the plate. Campos is one prospect to keep an eye on development in 2021.

19. Jose De La Cruz, OF (2020 Rank: 27)
Age: 18
Highest Level: Rookie

Across all tools, De La Cruz has one of the highest projections in the Tigers farm. At only 18, there is high optimism that his power, speed, and arm will continue to develop as his body and game mature. De La Cruz’s batting mechanics are sound, but his pitch identification needs to develop as he progresses through MiLB. De La Cruz’s expected timeline to MLB allows the Tigers to thoroughly evaluate the outfielders discussed earlier. A crowded outfield is a good problem to have but could result in trading 1-2 of them.

20. Kody Clemens, 2B (2020 Rank: 17)
Age: 24
Highest Level: AA

Clemens stands out as an intelligent, power hitting 2B with raw baseball instincts in his bloodline. His lack of range and athleticism is made up in his defensive intelligence of hitters tendencies. While the power bat was evident in A ball, a terrible stint in AA Erie to end 2019 left a lot to be improved upon in 2020. During the cancelled season of 2020, Clemens played in an Independent League in Houston, getting day-to-day game action and working on his plate discipline. Like Beau Burrows and Jake Rogers, 2021 could be Clemens’ last chance to breakthrough into the Tigers future.

21. Gage Workman, 3B (2020 Rank: Unranked)
Age: 21
Highest Level: College

One of the Tigers with largest gap between floor and ceiling, Workman brings above average defense to the left side of the infield. As his body matures and strengthens, 3B should be the position Workman settles into. A 6’4” switch hitter, Workman has raw power that needs discipline and pitch recognition developed in the minors. Workman will benefit greatly from a full season of MiLB.

22. Nick Quintana, 3B (2020 Rank: 15)
Age: 23
Highest Level: A

Drafted 47th in 2019, the Tigers expected Quintana to quickly develop, with projections of a quick climb through the minor leagues. That expectation was quickly dampened by a dismal .155 average at West Michigan. Quintana has above average defensive tools, both in his fielding range and strong arm. The struggles of 2019 and lost season of 2020 mean in 2021 Quintana must quickly figure out a better batting approach and find power to all fields.

23. Colt Keith, 3B/RHP (2020 Rank: Unranked)
Age: 19
Highest Level: High School

While Spencer Torkelson gets most of the Tigers discussion on the 2020 Draft, Keith might be the most interesting pick. A two-way player right of high school, Keith wanted the opportunity to play every day. His raw athleticism and 6’2” build allow him to hit for average and power naturally. It will be important to maintain arm strength and swing length during his body maturation. The risk is high, but the tools are there for development, even if it is a 3-4 year process.

Tier 4

24. Kyle Funkhouser, RHP (2020 Rank: 20)
Age: 26
Highest Level: MLB
The oldest player in these rankings, Funkhouser made his MLB Debut in 2020 with very little positive takeaways. The best pitch, his fastball, was sat on by MLB hitters with no concern for the below average secondary pitches. Of the 81 batters faced, Funkhouser gave up 22 hits and 11 walks. Until a secondary pitch in consistent and a threat for swing and misses, Funkhouser’s time in the system could be at it’s end.

25. Akil Baddoo, OF (2020 Rank: MIN 11)
Age: 22
Highest Level: A+ (MIN 2019)

A Rule 5 pick in December, Baddoo takes his athleticism and defensive ability from the Twins to the Tigers. To immediately impact the Tigers roster, the strikeout rate needs to drop and power numbers need to climb. With the injury-prone outfield in Detroit, the 2016 74th Overall Pick should see 2021 MLB game action to develop his tools.

26. Trei Cruz, SS (2020 Rank: Unranked)
Age: 22
Highest Level: College

This third-generation ballplayer, named Trei, was drafted three times…see a pattern here? Cruz worked on his batting approach the last year at Rice, shortening his swing and looking for contact before power. With age and experience, Cruz should move through the minors quickly and could see more time at 2B than SS.

27. Bryan Garcia, RHP (2020 Rank: 23)
Age: 25
Highest Level: MLB

In 2020, Garcia saw MLB action in 26 games, earning four saves. While command and control were small issues, Garcia pitched to a 1.29 WHIP. A projected 7th or 8th inning reliever, Bryan spent 2019 & 2020 retooling his delivery after Tommy John Surgery in 2018. Continued MLB experience and comfort on the mound in high-leverage positions will further develop Garcia’s abilities.

28. Adinso Reyes, SS (2020 Rank: 22)
Age: 19
Highest Level: Rookie

A strong, sturdy body type that reminds the Tigers of Paredes a few years ago. Reyes has impressive bat speed and finds contact often. Fearful that Reyes maturation will limit his range in the field, a move to a corner infield spot is likely. When Reyes adapts his approach with a slightly increased launch angle, power numbers and extra base hit numbers will rise.

29. Andre Lipcius, 3B/2B (2020 Rank: 18)
Age: 22
Highest Level: A

Lipcius played different infield positions each year at Tennessee, before being drafted at 3B in 2019. While lacking a single standout, above average tool, Lipcius is a well-rounded player in all areas. A solid K:BB ratio and good OPS puts Lipcius on a MLB trajectory, just maybe as a utility infielder; a la Jordy Mercer.

30. Derek Hill, OF (2020 Rank: 24)
Age: 24
Highest Level: MLB

Making his MLB debut during the 2020 season, Hill showed his speed and glove in the outfield making highlight-worthy catches regularly. Hill’s struggles at the plate were exposed by MLB pitching, having just one hit in eleven AB’s. Derek has had injury issues in the past that have slowed his development and could be at his ceiling right now.

31. Zack Hess, RHP (2020 Rank: 49)
Age: 23
Highest Level: A

Standing a solid 6’6”/220, Hess’ stature facilitates a high-leverage fastball that can overpower hitters. With the combination of his fastball and slider, Hess slots as a one-inning reliever who will quickly move through the MiLB system. Learning to quiet his delivery and be more consistent with mechanics and arm slot, Hess could see Comerica Park in late 2021.

32. Rony Garcia, RHP (2020 Rank: 35)
Age: 23
Highest Level: MLB

Control and command was the issue Garcia faced in his limited MLB action in 2020. Facing 96 batters, Garcia surrendered seven home runs and 9 walks compared to only 14 strikeouts. Rony has struggled to develop a changeup to keep hitters honest and not just sitting on a fastball. Another year with Tigers coaches will hopefully add this needed element to his bullpen role.

33. Zack Short, SS/2B (2020 Rank: CHC 13)
Age: 25
Highest Level: AAA (CHC 2019)

Acquired in the Cameron Maybin trade with the Cubs, Short is another low-risk utility infielder in the Tigers system. Short shows power to the pull-side, opening himself up to missing fastballs up in the zone. Short has an experienced batter’s approach and finds deep counts and walks regularly. Working on increased contact and spreading hits into all fields would increase Short’s chances of breaking the 40-Man.

34. Ulrich Bojarski, OF (2020 Rank: 36)
Age: 22
Highest Level: A+

First playing baseball in his teens, Bojarski exhibits above average power from raw athletic instincts. He is a corner outfielder by body type and arm strength, and body maturation should solidify that positioning. Having limited instruction prior to being drafted, Bojarski will benefit from continued development with Tigers coaches.

35. Wladimir Pinto, RHP (2020 Rank: 43)
Age: 22
Highest Level: AA

Pinto had an explosive fastball, with good tailing action and delivery deception; command has always been the below average grade. Increased consistency to find the zone would make his fastball even better. Projected as a role-inning reliever, Pinto has little time to find the next level.

36. Sergio Alcantara, SS/3B/2B (2020 Rank: 33)
Age: 24
Highest Level: MLB

One of the Tigers to make their MLB debut in 2020, Alcantara went deep in his first MLB at-bat. The irony in this, Alcantara grades as a below average in power and bat speed. Sergio has the best infield arm in the Tigers system, an absolute “laser rocket arm”. Even with his speed and defensive ability, without an improved approach to hitting Alcantara will see limited MLB games in 2021.

37. Paul Richan, RHP (2020 Rank: 31)
Age: 23
Highest Level: A+

Part of the Tigers return in the Castellanos trade in 2019, Richan has impressed the Tigers with his ability to locate pitches and induce groundball outs. Richan does not overpower batters but instead looks for called strikes and chasing swings. To become the backend starter his ceiling slots, Paul must get more swing and misses on his fastball and better control on his secondary pitches.

Tier 5

38. Brock Deatherage, OF (2020 Rank: 34)
Age: 25
Highest Level: A+

Deatherage has game-changing speed that continues to out grade his hitting. Each season, this writer/fan prays for a breakthrough in the batting approach, as Deatherage has superior character and leadership qualities.

39. Troy Stokes Jr., OF (2020 Rank: 30)
Age: 24
Highest Level: AAA (MIL 2019)

Yet to play a game in the Tigers MiLB system, Stokes Jr has posted strong power numbers from A-AAA. Being overly dependent on the power numbers, Troy leaves many opportunities at the plate. Hitting for contact and average could move this high-grade defender up the rankings quickly.

40. Cooper Johnson, C (2020 Rank: 45)
Age: 22
Highest Level: A

The third catcher on the list, Johnson is the highest graded defensive catcher in the organization. Above average Pop Time and strong, accurate throws should make the former catcher, now manager AJ Hinch give Johnson serious consideration for the MLB level.

41. Elvin Rodriguez, RHP (2020 Rank: 26)
Age: 22
Highest Level: A+

Each of the last two years, the Tigers have hoped Rodriguez’s frame would fill out and add strength and solidity to his mechanics. And each year, the future gets dimmer for this once promising prospect.

42. Gerson Moreno, RHP (2020 Rank: Unranked)
Age: 25
Highest Level: AA

Originally signed in 2012, Moreno has deceptive mechanics and above average arm speed. While relying on early at-bat strikes to set up below average secondary pitches, Gerson slots as a low leverage reliever.

43. Eliezer Alfonzo, C (2020 Rank: 32)
Age: 21
Highest Level: A-

The switch-hitting catcher, who has power and defensive shortcomings, needs to improve quickly in 2021. Alfonzo’s batting approach yields a promising batting average, but he has only TWO home runs in over 500 MiLB at-bats.

44. Alex Lange, RHP (2020 Rank: 38)
Age: 25
Highest Level: AA

A solid, strong 6’3” frame should lend itself to an impressive fastball, but Lange’s inconsistent mechanics and delivery impact his effectiveness. He possesses an above average changeup that could even grade better with continued fastball instruction.

45. Max Green, LHP (2020 Rank: Unranked)
Age: 24
Highest Level: A+

A slim and long frame puts Green’s pitches in a high arm slot with good downhill action. He has drastic 30mph deceleration for a curve that can buckle minor league hitters. Green needs to continue to develop another off-speed pitch to better deceive batters from his fastball delivery.

46. Kingston Liniak, OF (2020 Rank: 28)
Age: 21
Highest Level: A

Like Deatherage at #38, Liniak is an above average defender with a good arm and great speed. Unfortunately, his hitting and power are among the lowest grades in the Tigers system. If Kingston can somehow develop his bat, the potential grows exponentially.

47. Carlos Guzman, RHP (2020 Rank: 37)
Age: 22
Highest Level: A+

When Guzman converted to pitching, he quickly showed good mechanics, a high-spin fastball, and growing velocity. His ability to develop rapidly in a new position and his great athleticism is cause for excitement.

48. Jason Foley, RHP (2020 Rank: Unranked)
Age: 25
Highest Level: A+

Even after Tommy John Surgery, Foley’s fastball is above-average in velocity, but lacks the movement or deception needed to get it by advanced hitters. What the Tigers once had hoped could be a late inning stalwart has now become a hopeful batter-specific reliever.

49. Wilkel Hernandez, RHP (2020 Rank: 39)
Age: 21
Highest Level: A

Recent Tommy John Surgery has put on damper on Hernandez’s future projections, as he will miss the 2021 MiLB Season. Before the surgery, Wilkel had the making of a back-end starter or long relief pitcher who could fill in starts when needed. The secondary pitches have never really developed into reliable weapons.

50. Alvaro Gonzalez, SS (2020 Rank: Unranked)
Age: 20
Highest Level: Rookie

A multi-million dollar IFA signing in 2017, Gonzalez has been slow to develop at the plate. His defensive range, strong arm, and speed keep him in the Top 50. A large Rule 5 decision awaits in 2021 for Tigers management.

Kurt Moody
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8 Comments

    • Good Evening, Robert! Cam Gibson would probably be ranked somewhere between #51-60 heading into 2021. Cam turns 27 in February and has never been above AA-Erie. On top of his age, Cam struggled in 2019’s full season in Erie hitting .235 over 117 games. Thanks for your question. Go Tigers!

      Reply

    • Thanks for the comments, George. Woodrow was in the first five outside the Top 50. While he had a great 2018 Arizona Fall League, 2019 was mixed at AAA Toledo. Danny had 1 HR in 100 Games, and the K:BB ratio was over 2:1. Turning 26 this month, the chances of cracking the Tigers roster are low. Decaster progressed quickly through the system in 2019, but only 13 IP in AAA is too small a sample size against hitters of that caliber. The lost season of 2020 really hurt Decaster, as a full year in Toledo would have given Ethan the chance to prove his place in the bullpen. A solid start to 2021 could get him to Comerica by the end of the year, but the possible impact of Decaster is very small. Cheers,

      Reply

      • Hello Woodrow hits better than Hill and it seems maybe even Cameron speed between hill and Cameron defense also right between them.

        Reply

  3. Good Morning Joseph! Thanks for taking the time to leave a note. The reason why Hill is further up the list is his time spent on the 40-Man Roster in 2020. Because he has MLB experience, the Prospects1500 ranking system doesn’t allow him in Tier 5; which is for players that don’t project as MLB’ers.

    With the announcement this week that A & AA players will not be in the MLB Spring Training Camps and their seasons delayed, the opportunity for Woodrow to impress grows higher. Only having AAA & MLB players allows more instruct time and exposure to the new coaching staff. I like Woodrow’s hitting for average, but do not like his lack of gap power and HR power. Also, the signing of Robbie Grossman also bumps one of the younger OF’ers down the line, hurting Woodrow’s chances.

    I will happily eat those words if Danny can breakthrough to Detroit and make the MLB roster. Thanks again, and Go Tigers!

    Reply

  4. No love for Brady? Led Lakeland in hits, home runs, walks and games played, (top 3 on team in basically every offensive category.) Can play any position on the field and durable. Figured someone who was on the “taxi squad” last year and invited to big league camp the last 3 years would at least be in tier 5. Starting in AAA this year.

    Reply

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