1. Colt Keith, IF - Keith not only put up exceptional numbers (.306 BA, 27 HR, 38 doubles, 101 RBI, .922 OPS) at the highest levels of the minor leagues, he displayed the type of swing path that should play up in MLB. Only recently turned 22, his power is obvious. Keith shows strike zone discipline and is a good situational hitter. The question mark is defense. While Keith is reasonably athletic for a corner infielder, it's not the case at second base. His once exceptionally strong arm (92 mph fastball as a prep pitcher) appeared diminished following a shoulder ailment which ended his 2022 season prematurely. How his arm progresses will likely determine his fielding position.
2. Jackson Jobe, RHP - No Tigers' prospect has a higher ceiling than Jobe. After recovering remarkably quickly from a scary spinal ailment, Jobe emerged with vengeance. He hits the high 90s routinely, few pitchers can spin a slider at a higher rate and he's now landing a plus change up. This all came with exceptional control (six walks, 84 strikeouts in 64 innings). He could contribute to the MLB club significantly by the end of next summer after ending this one with a terrific start for Double A Erie.
3. Parker Meadows, CF - Putting Meadows this high isn't a stretch by any means. His defensive metrics at a premium position are off the charts. His speed ranks in the Top 10 percentile of MLB players despite a relatively small sample size. He has good power. Meadows' hit tool has been in question because of a long stroke, but he's shortened it. It's a good sign he wasn't completely overwhelmed by MLB pitching. And he will play next season at just 24.
4. Jace Jung, IF - A brilliant college hitter at Texas Tech, the Tigers' first-round pick in '22 had a disappointing pro debut. He more than made up for it this summer. He hit 28 home runs and seems MLB ready from a hitting standpoint. Jung should be a plus MLB hitter. He has below average speed and range defensively. He does have good hands and a strong enough arm to play third after being projected as a second baseman initially.
5. Max Clark, CF - Although he is billed as a 5-tool player, and it fits, Clark is raw. The Tigers' first-round pick was very good at the rookie level, but struggled mightily when promoted to Low-A Lakeland. At first glance, it appears Clark has sound plate discipline, but he obviously must improve his contact rate. It will be interesting whether the Tigers push Clark to High-A West Michigan to begin 2024.
6. Ty Madden, RHP - Commanding the baseball and developing a third MLB-caliber pitch will ultimately determine Madden's future. He definitely has a big-time power arm and solid slider. His fastball has become especially effective since he dropped his arm angle down to three-quarters. He flatlines it in the upper strike zone exceptionally well. But Madden walks too many hitters at this point. While he has flashed brilliance at times, he lacks consistency. When the Tigers drafted Madden, I saw a potential two-pitch, all-out reliever. That may still be the case, but he's definitely progressed to the point of becoming a possible starting rotation piece.
7. Kevin McGonigle, IF - The Tigers maneuvered the draft pool so they could pay McGonigle high above slot value and sign him away from Auburn. It was a good decision. He is an instinctive lefty hitter with a short stroke, quick bat and excellent lift. He more than held his own when promoted to Low-A ball. He should hit with power. McGonigle had been projected as a second baseman, but don't be surprised if he stays at shortstop, at least for awhile. It is not exactly a position of strength in the Tigers' organization and he has solid fielding actions and good quickness.
8. Justyn-Henry Malloy, IF - This is the anti-Javy Baez. Malloy drew 110 walks at Toledo. Only two MLB players drew more in 2023 (Juan Soto and Kyle Schwarber). He has power, too, producing 23 home runs and 25 doubles. He did so at age 23. So there is an obvious upside as a hitter. The same cannot be said for his defense. Malloy is a below average runner, who tends to misfire throwing. His future with the Tigers likely will be predicated on whether he hits enough to justify being a most-of-the-time DH.
9. Tyler Mattison, RHP - A 6-foot-4 righty, Mattison gasses the ball up to the plate in the 95-to-97 mph with what appears to be a high spin rate. Hitters swing right through his fastball consistently. He struck out 91 hitters in 59 innings at West Michigan and Erie. He could be with the Tigers at some point next season, and has the potential to develop into a strong back-end bullpen piece.
10. Eddys Leonard, IF - At 22, Leonard, along with Mattison, are the Tigers most-underrated prospects. At 22, Leonard had 19 home runs and 75 RBI at Double-A and Triple-A. His OPS was .905 for Toledo over nearly two months after being acquired from the Dodgers. A shortstop by trade, the Tigers also played him at second, third, left field and center field. He has a reputation as a free swinger, but has improved.
