The Detroit Tigers have graduated a few of their top pitchers recently. However, they reloaded in the draft last year and their top two picks in 2021 make this list. The Tigers also have a couple of premier bats in all of the minor leagues. With Detroit getting younger at the major league level, let’s take a look at who will be coming up to help them fight for an American Central title.
Make sure to check out all of our other Top Prospect Articles.
1. Riley Greene, Outfielder
Hit: 60
Power: 60
Run: 50
Arm: 55
Field: 55
Overall: 60
Greene is one of the best prospects in all of baseball. He was drafted fifth overall in 2019 out of High School and while there were some early struggles, his talent showed through in 2021. Last year, the left-handed hitter played in 124 games between Double-A and Triple-A. He slashed an impressive .301/.387/.534 with 24 home runs. Greene also stole 16 bases and was only caught once.
The Florida native has gotten to his power in-game as he has filled out. His swing is smooth and he has an advanced approach at the plate although his strikeout total rose to 27.4 percent in 2021. While that isn’t alarming, Greene will have to work on making better decisions. Defensively, he looks like a centerfielder, at least at this point. Even if the 21-year-old has to move to a corner spot, his bat should play well and his arm is strong enough to handle left or right.
ETA: 2022
2. Spencer Torkelson, First Base/Third Base
Hit: 60
Power: 70
Run: 40
Arm: 50
Field: 50
Overall: 60
Torkelson is above Greene on some prospect lists. He sits second on this one mainly due to Greene’s ability to play a premium position. However, after being drafted first overall in 2020, Torkelson was promoted aggressively, going from High-A all the way to Triple-A. The quick rise through the ranks hurt the power hitter just a bit. His OPS went from 1.009 to .933 to .881. Of course, any team would love a 22-year-old to post those numbers. Torkelson can hit and the 30 HRs in 121 games still look good.
The former Arizona State star may be a third baseman in the majors. He will never be a Gold Glove winner but could man the hot corner adequately. Even if he moves to first base, Torkelson’s bat is what will get him to and keep him with the Tigers. While there were some minor struggles last year, he will make the adjustments and start terrorizing pitchers again in 2022.
ETA: 2023
3. Ty Madden, Right-Handed Pitcher
Fastball: 60
Slider: 60
Changeup: 55
Curveball: 50
Control: 55
Overall: 55
Madden was selected with the 32nd overall pick in 2021 from the University of Texas. The big right-hander dominated the Big 12. Between the shortened 2020 and last year, Madden was 10-5 in 22 starts with a 2.34 ERA. He also struck out 163 and walked just 48 in 138.2 innings.
The former Longhorn has a solid four-pitch mix starting with a downward fastball that sits 93-96. He throws his slider in the mid-80s and it has very good late bite. While the curveball is a work in progress, Madden’s changeup is a quality offspeed offering. What enhances his abilities and makes him more projectable than most is his consistency and repeatable delivery. Madden has excellent mechanics and a 6-foot-3, 215-pound frame that is built to last.
ETA: 2024
4. Jackson Jobe, Right-Handed Pitcher
Fastball: 60
Slider: 70
Changeup: 60
Curveball: 50
Control: 50
Overall: 55
Jobe has as much upside as any pitcher in last year’s draft which is why the Tigers took him third overall. The Oklahoma righty led his team (Heritage Hall) to the championship last season and his stats were ridiculous. Jobe went 9-0 and allowed one…yes one…earned run in 51.2 innings along with an equally crazy 122/5 K/BB rate.
The slider Jobe throws is elite and was probably the best in the draft class. It has a spin rate over 3,000 and the 6-foot-2 hurler can throw it where he wants. He couples that with a 92-94 mph four-seam fastball that has great riding life up in the zone. His changeup has very good fade and tumble while his curveball plays off of his other offerings well. It is always hard to project High School pitchers, but if all goes right for Jobe, he will be the ace of the Tigers staff before the decade is over.
ETA: 2025
5. Dillon Dingler, Catcher
Hit: 45
Power: 50
Run: 55
Arm: 65
Field: 55
Overall: 50
Dingler is one of the most athletic catchers you will find. He played mostly centerfield his freshman year of college at Ohio State and ran a 6.6 60-yard dash in 2019. Since being drafted by the Tigers in the second round in 2020, Detroit has kept him behind the plate to better learn the nuances of catching. Dingler moved up quickly to Double-A last year but struggled a bit with the bat slashing .202/.264/.314 in 50 games at Erie.
Despite those struggles, the Tigers believe in the former Buckeye’s ability to stick as a catcher. His arm is above average and his athleticism allows him to move fluidly and block and receive well. He will have to improve his pitch recognition and plate discipline to be an adequate hitter in the majors, but he does have solid raw power. Time will tell if he can get to it in-game, but if he does, Dingler could be a franchise catcher for Detroit.
ETA: 2024
What Does the Future Hold?
Going seven picks after Madden in last year’s draft was Izaac Pacheco. While he played mostly shortstop in High School, a move to third base is likely. He stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 225 pounds so he has plenty of pop. Dylan Smith is a live arm who could make an impression. He was only a regular starter for one year at Alabama in 2021 but the Tigers saw enough to take him in the third round.
Check out even more in-depth scouting reports on Madden, Jobe, Smith, and Pacheco.
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