Detroit Tigers: Six Prospects Who Could Debut in 2017
Apr 29, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Michael Fulmer (32) throws his first pitch in the major leagues against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus managed a number of young players last season. These included promising rookies Michael Fulmer and JaCoby Jones. Here are six prospects who could debut in 2017.
Detroit Tigers pitcher Michael Fulmer excelled in his first full Major League season.
Acquired from the Mets in the Yoenis Cespedes trade, Fulmer is the frontrunner for the American League Rookie of the Year award. The starter pitched to a 3.06 ERA and a 3.76 FIP in 159 innings while also striking out 132.
In addition to posting strong numbers, Fulmer improved during the season as well, mixing in his changeup to keep hitters off balance. This move helped him become more successful and propelled him to his early success.
Fulmer wasn’t the only rookie to make a mark last season.
JaCoby Jones showed flashes of the dynamic, impact performer he can become in a 13-game cup of coffee.
The two former top prospects joined a growing list of young players in Detroit. That list includes the likes of Daniel Norris, Matt Boyd, Bruce Rondon, Nick Castellanos, Kyle Ryan, James McCann, Buck Farmer and Steven Moya.
Which prospects could make their Major League debuts next season?
Feb 23, 2016; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Joe Jimenez (77) catches a ball during the Detroit Tigers spring training camp at Joker Merchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Pitchers
Joe Jimenez
For nearly as long as Joe Jimenez has been in the Tigers system, he’s been tabbed as Detroit’s closer of the future. In just eight games in his first professional season, the reliever struck out 24 batters. All told, he struck out 13 batters per nine innings over the course of his career.
In 2016, Jimenez made the jump from Lakeland to Toledo, nearly advancing to the Majors. In 15.2 innings pitched, the 21-year-old posted a 2.30 ERA, eight saves and a 0.83 WHIP.
There’s a very real possibility that Jimenez could be in the Tigers bullpen come Opening Day.
Tyler Alexander
After 102 successful innings at Lakeland, left-handed starter Tyler Alexander was promoted to Double-A Erie. In six starts with the SeaWolves, the former second-round pick thrived.
Over 34.1 innings, the 22-year-old pitched to a 3.15 ERA while putting up 23 strikeouts compared to just four walks. All told, he only walked 20 batters in 136.1 innings pitched during the 2016.
He won’t start the year in Detroit, and may not even make it to the Majors next season. However, if Alexander shows well enough to be promoted to Toledo and the Tigers need a starter late in the season, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Alexander get the call.
Artie Lewicki
Lewicki is very similar to Alexander in the sense that he started 2016 in Lakeland, thrived after a promotion to Erie and could be called up late in 2017.
An eight-round pick in 2014, Lewicki allowed just 19 walks in 89 innings, while posting a 3.44 ERA in 2016. He also held opposing batters to a .254 average while striking out 77.
Detroit has a pair of potential mid-rotation starters in Alexander and Lewicki.
Myles Jaye
Al Avila didn’t make many moves from the start of Spring Training through the regular season. However, one move he did make was to trade Bryan Holaday to Texas.
In return, Avila acquired Jaye and Bobby Wilson. Wilson was later flipped back to the Rangers, but Jaye stuck in Detroit’s system. In the future, he can contribute in a number of roles.
As either a starter, a long reliever or a swingman, Jaye has plenty of upside. So far in the minors, he’s posted a 3.95 ERA in 161.2 innings pitched. With 135 strikeouts compared to just 44 walks, it is clear Jaye can keep opposing lineups in check. Look for him to contribute to the Tigers next season and beyond.
Mar 5, 2016; Melbourne, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder Wynton Bernard (63) rounds the bases and scores a run against the Washington Nationals during a spring training game at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Position Players
Grayson Greiner
A 6’6” catcher, Greiner has shown well both behind the plate and with a bat in his hands. A dependable catch-and-throw backstop, Greiner hit .293 in 91 games. The 23-year-old eventually moved to Toledo to end the year.
His offensive breakout season in 2016 seems extremely similar to James McCann’s 2014 campaign in Triple-A when the current Detroit starter hit .295 with 54 RBI and 41 extra-base hits.
If Greiner continues to produce with the Mud Hens and the Tigers have a need, the towering catcher could make his way to the Majors.
His odds of making his debut will go up if current backups Jarrod Saltalamacchia and John Hicks aren’t retained.
Wynton Bernard
Just last season, Bernard had an opportunity to break camp with the Tigers, but could not overcome Cameron Maybin, Anthony Gose and Tyler Collins in the center field pecking order.
Bernard would go on to hit .279 with 56 runs scored, 25 extra-base hits and 23 stolen bases. His ability to get on base and make an impact with his speed make him an intriguing bench option for Detroit.
If the Tigers move on from Anthony Gose, Bernard would be one of the first names to be called up from Toledo in case of an outfield injury.
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