Detroit Tigers
AL Central
2024 record: 86-76 (tied for 2nd)
MiLB affiliates
Triple-A: Toledo Mud Hens
Double-A: Erie SeaWolves
High-A: West Michigan Whitecaps
Single-A: Lakeland Flying Tigers
Notable prospects graduated in 2024
3B/OF Justyn-Henry Malloy
OF Parker Meadows
RHP Keider Montero
2B/OF Wenceel Pérez
SS/3B/OF Ryan Kreidler
Prospects1500 writers who contributed to this column and rankings: Tony Bps (@tonybps1), Greg Bracken (@gregbracken07), Adam Greene (@aj_greene1015), Scott Greene (@Scotty_Ballgame), Shaun Kernahan (@ShaunKernahan), Jeremy Mahy (@JMahyfam), and Kurt Moody (@DET_Guru_Kurt). The writer’s Twitter handle follows each player write-up or paragraph.
Prospects1500 Tiers:
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 to make the majors; possible sleeper candidates for sustained MLB success
Tier 5: Players of interest, worth keeping an eye on, who may make (or have made) the majors but provide minimal impact
Levels listed for each player are the highest levels player reached in 2024
Tier 1
1. Max Clark, OF, 20, High-A
Clark’s first full season of professional ball was good but not spectacular. In 109 games (Single/High-A) he slashed .279/.372/.421 with 9 home runs, 75 RBI, and 29 stolen bases. His 19% walk rate and 8.5% SwStr rate highlights how well he controls the zone and with his double-plus speed and plus bat speed he projects to be a multi-category producer in fantasy. Impressively Clark (a lefthanded hitter) produced a slash of .341/.465/.524 against southpaws left year. There is a lot to get excited about beyond just the counting stats and a decent chance that we see Clark in Detroit in 2026. (@JMahyfam)
2. Jackson Jobe, RHP, 22, MLB
Jobe is right up there for the #1 spot with Clark. You can’t go wrong with either and are both regarded as two of the top prospects in baseball. Jobe was fantastic in Double-A, and earned late-season promotion to both Triple-A and MLB. His four pitch arsenal (fastball, sweeper, changeup, cutter) is possibly the best pitch mix in MiLB. The only knock on Jobe was for someone with such good command, it was odd to see the BB/9 jump from 0.8 in 2023 to 4.4 last season. Regardless, he still has future ace potential for a young, gritty Tigers team. (@aj_greene1015)
Tier 2
3. Kevin McGonigle, SS/2B, 20, High-A
McGonigle comes in safely as our number three prospect with one contributor even ranking him at number one. This is the type of prospect that I love to roster in dynasty. He walks more than he strikes out (14%/8.5%) and projects for 10-15 home runs and 20 stolen bases. That provides a relatively safe floor and allows me to chase some high risk/high reward type guys with other roster slots. Detroit has as good a top-3 as anyone and their future looks really bright. (@JMahyfam)
4. Jace Jung, 3B, 24, MLB
Third baseman Jung found himself promoted to Detroit during their improbable run into the playoffs, starting 24 games (1 at DH). While the team excelled down the stretch, Jung struggled to find any rhythm in the batters box; .241 Avg, 0 HR, 29 Ks. Off-season wrist surgery cast more questions on Jung’s future role in Detroit and a certain free agent third baseman from Houston is still rumored to be Detroit’s top target. (@DET_Guru_Kurt)
5. Bryce Rainer, SS, 19, High school
Twelve months ago there was debate in the scouting community about where Rainer had more upside, on the mound or in the field, but that all stopped at the NHSI where he put on a show both in the field and at the plate. He has a cannon of an arm, he was mid-90s on the mound, and good actions in the field which should allow him to stick at short, but could be a special defender at third. He has a solid hit tool and keeps his shoulders closed until his late fire creating plenty of bat speed and power that could develop into a plus tool. (@ShaunKernahan)
6. Thayron Liranzo, C, 21, High-A
The centerpiece in the trade deadline deal with the Dodgers, Liranzo features pull-side power and above average barrel rates; instantly joining the Tigers Top 10 Prospects List. A switch-hitter, Thayron had a fantastic Arizona Fall League where he hit .347 and earned MVP honors in the Arizona Fall Stars Game. In 2025, Liranzo should see both time at catcher and first base for Erie and quickly move into a similar dual-role for Toledo. (@DET_Guru_Kurt)
Tier 3
7. Josue Briceño, C/1B, 20, Single-A
Briceño heads into the 2025 season coming off a runaway Arizona Fall League MVP campaign. Sure, there had been some flashes of brilliance during his Rookie/Single-A tenure, but I don’t know many people who saw this outburst coming. In 25 games, he slashed .433/.509/.867/1.376, walloping 10 home runs, knocking in 27, and tallying 78 total bases. Can the 20-year-old carry this breakout to High-A West Michigan? Let’s definitely keep an eye on this exciting prospect. (@Scotty_Ballgame)
8. Hao-Yu Lee, 2B, 21, Double-A
Lee has always profiled as a high floor middle infielder dynasty asset thanks to an excellent feel for the zone and modest speed and power. However, in 2024 his first full season in Double-A, his power took a step forward. In 342 at-bats he hit 12 homeruns with his ISO jumping to .190. His home ballpark in Erie typically plays down for home runs further legitimizing his numbers. If the power gains are real, his profile just got much more interesting. (@JMahyfam)
9. Jaden Hamm, RHP, 22, High-A
A year ago, Hamm slotted in the low 40s on the Tigers’ top 50 and took a massive leap to #19 on the midseason list. After a really strong 2024 where he dominated High-A, he finds himself cracking the top 10. His curveball took an impressive step forward this year and he’s been vocal about the development of that pitch, along with a new slider he began using in 2023. Hamm likely sets his sights on Double-A in 2025, continuing his emergence as a top pitching prospect. (@aj_greene1015)
10. Ty Madden, RHP, 24, MLB
Madden, Detroit’s 2021 first round pick (31st overall), got his first taste of the Majors in 2024. He pitched in six games (1 GS) with mixed results (4.30 ERA, 1.44 WHIP). Madden was very good in Double-A (across three seasons from 2022-2024) but did struggle in his time at Triple-A Toledo last year. Behind Skubal, Olson, Cobb, Mize, and Jobe, he’s likely right at the top of the SP depth chart in the Tigers’ farm system, and could be next man up if the rotation needs an arm. (@Scotty_Ballgame)
11. Trey Sweeney, SS, 24, MLB
How often does a prospect get traded twice in a calendar year, and make the Major Leagues on top of that? Well, Sweeney had quite the 2024 after being moved from the Yankees to Dodgers before the season, and Dodgers to Tigers and the trade deadline; once he was with the big league squad though, he made some crucial plays down the stretch during their playoff push. His defense was much welcome when he replaced Javier Baez, and his offensive upside is marginal but does have the ability to hit the occasional home run, hitting four during his cup of coffee in Detroit. (@aj_greene1015)
Tier 4
12. Dillon Dingler, C, 26, MLB
13. Troy Melton, RHP, 24, Double-A
14. Max Anderson, 2B, 22, Double-A
15. Owen Hall, RHP, 19, High school
16. Wilmer Flores, RHP, 23, Triple-A
17. Justice Bigbie, OF, 25, Triple-A
18. Roberto Campos, OF, 21, High-A
19. Sawyer Gipson-Long, RHP, 27, MLB
20. Brant Hurter, LHP, 26, MLB
Dingler projects more to be a backup catcher who’s better defensively than at the plate. Melton’s results in AA didn’t look great but he showed enough to continue to develop as a starter. Anderson could be a backup infielder in the majors. Hall is an interesting pitcher, having a great fastball and solid secondary stuff if he can keep his walks under control. Bigbie struggled in AAA after a solid 2023 season. Campos has performed well in the minors and could get a shot at the majors later this season. Gipson-Long looked solid in his 20 innings for the major league team and may even open this year in the rotation. (@tonybps1)
Tier 5
21. Joseph Montalvo, RHP, 22, High-A
22. Franyerber Montilla, SS/2B, 19, Single-A
23. Paul Wilson, LHP, 20, Rookie (FCL)
24. Peyton Graham, SS, 23, Double-A
25. Tyler Mattison, RHP, 25, Double-A
26. Rayner Castillo, RHP, 20, Single-A
27. Ethan Schiefelbein, LHP, 18, High school
28. Eddys Leonard, SS/2B/3B, 24, Triple-A
29. Luke Gold, 1B, 24, High-A
30. Enrique Jimenez, C/1B, 19, Rookie (FCL)
31. Carson Rucker, 3B, 20, Rookie (FCL)
32. Cristian Santana, 3B/2B, 21, Single-A
33. Danny Serretti, 3B, 24, Double-A
34. Michael Massey, RHP, 21, College
35. Eric Silva, RHP, 22, Double-A
36. Trei Cruz, SS, 26, Double-A
37. Dylan Smith, RHP, 24, High-A
38. Nestor Miranda, 3B, 18, Rookie (DSL)
39. Izaac Pacheco, 3B, 22, High-A
40. Blake Dickerson, LHP, 20, Rookie (FCL)
41. Josh Randall, RHP, 22, Single-A
42. Andrew Navigato, SS, 26, Triple-A
43. Zach Swanson, RHP, 19, High school
44. Tyler Owens, RHP, 23, Double-A
44. Garrett Burhenn, RHP, 25, Double-A
46. Javier Osorio, SS/3B, 19, Rookie (DSL)
47. Andrew Sears, LHP, 22, Single-A
48. RJ Petit, RHP, 25, Double-A
49. Junior Tilien, 2B/3B, 22, High-A
50. Jose de la Cruz, OF, 23, Single-A
Montalvo has put up some good numbers and looks like he could be a back-end to mid-rotation starter in the future. Wilson, son of former MLB player Trevor, has the potential to be a mid-rotation starter in a number of years. Gold doesn’t have enough power to contribute as a CI – more likely suited for a bench role. Jimenez played well in the Rookie league and could be a backup catcher. Rucker played in only four games last season before suffering a shoulder injury but looks to come back healthy this year. Cruz is a middle infielder with some pop and an average hit-tool. Osorio looks more valuable in real life with his defense than in fantasy with his limited hit-tool. (@tonybps1)
Adam Greene is a student UMass Amherst's Isenberg School of Management. He currently writes for the Cape Cod Baseball League and UMass Athletics. From Longmeadow, MA, Adam is a huge Red Sox fan and has been following the team his whole life and he's spent the last few years covering their farm system. Follow him on Twitter at @aj_greene1015 and Instagram at the same handle.
President of Prospects1500. Founder of Diamond Duos dynasty fantasy baseball leagues and the MLB Fantasy Playoffs Parlay. Participant and champion in several dynasty/fantasy baseball and football leagues. Sales Manager for Reminder Publishing by day. Huge Bruce Springsteen and pro wrestling fan. Along with his wife and two boys, lives in Longmeadow, MA. Follow on Twitter at @Scotty_Ballgame.
Greg covers the Toronto Blue Jays organization for Prospects1500. Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, a long-suffering fan of both the Blue Jays and the Toronto Maple Leafs. For more than 15 years now a participant/commish in many dynasty baseball leagues, all with extremely deep minor league rosters. Follow on X @gregbracken07.
Jeremy covers the St Louis organization and contributes on Prospects of the Week for Prospects1500. Born and raised in the Midwest, he is a lifelong fan of the Birds on the Bat. You can follow him on Twitter @JMahyfam for more baseball content.
"Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too." -Yogi Berra
Tony Bps Spina is a lifelong baseball fan hailing from the City of Brotherly Love - Philadelphia! Tony has loved baseball since 1980 and has followed the Phillies through good and bad times. Tony is married with 3 kids and works for a financial institution but has enough free time to play in 20 fantasy baseball leagues with 75% of them being Dynasty Leagues. He lives a few blocks away from Citizens Bank Park and attends many Phillies games per year in addition to their minor league teams in Lehigh Valley and Reading. He can be reached on Twitter at @TonyBps1.
Shaun Kernahan is the MLB Draft correspondent for Prospects1500. When not at a game, chances are the TV and/or tablet has a game on and he has a notepad out taking notes. When not scouting draft prospects, he is the Director of Baseball Operations for the Mile High Collegiate Baseball League, a collegiate wood bat league in Colorado. Shaun can be found on Twitter at @ShaunKernahan.
Based deep in the heart of Texas, I am surrounded by the absolute best of college baseball year after year. From midweeks at The Dish to weekends watching Olsen Magic, I love the energy of D1 college baseball. For the past five years, I have been covering the Detroit Tigers organization for Prospects1500 while also ranking MLB Draft eligible players as they join the FYPD and Dynasty world.
Being able to learn from the game’s best coaches and watch the student athletes passionately compete is a blessing I do not take lightly. While rooted in SEC country, I am a B1G Ten truther to my core. I will always stop for a prospect discussion or for random baseball trivia. You can usually find me throughout the baseball season walking the baselines and concourses. Remember friends, “Every game is someone’s first game!”
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