Detroit Tigers: Nine Under the Radar Prospects to Watch in 2017

Aug 8, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers executive vice president and general manager Al Avila before the game against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers executive vice president and general manager Al Avila before the game against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Detroit Tigers
Apr 24, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; A view of the Detroit Tigers logo on the on deck circle at Comerica Park. The Indians won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Starting Pitchers

Myles Jaye

Throws: Right-Handed
2016 Affiliate: Toledo Mud Hens

Acquired with Bobby Wilson from the Texas Rangers in exchange for Bryan Holaday, Jaye turned in some quality pitching displays for Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo last season.

The right-hander pitched to a 3.95 ERA in 28 starts split between the two affiliates, striking out 135 in 161.2 innings pitched. The former White Sox farmhand could very well end up in a Major League rotation someday. Jaye could even make a mark in Detroit next season as a swingman.

Chad Bell

Throws: Left-Handed
2016 Affiliate: Toledo Mud Hens

At 27-years-old, Bell is older than most prospects. In fact, many probably view 27 as being too old for a prospect. However, the lefty has yet to pitch in the Majors and could fill a similar role to Jaye with next year’s team.

Over 98.1 innings at the Triple-A level, Bell went 11-4 with a 3.29 ERA. Those 98.1 innings included 12 starts and four instances when he finished the game. The former Rangers reliever finished tied for second in the International League in wins. He also ranked in the top 25 in total appearances.

Bell also came to Detroit from Texas, this time in exchange for Wilson. His versatility will certainly help his chances of cracking the Tigers active roster.

Matt Hall

Throws: Left-Handed
2016 Affiliate: Lakeland Flying Tigers

Drafted in the sixth round in 2015, Hall shot to relevance within the Tigers system thanks to a breakout 2016 campaign. In 127 innings for West Michigan and Lakeland, the Missouri State alum posted a 2.55 ERA and 126 strikeouts.

That stat line included an 8-0 record and a 1.09 ERA in 12 starts for the Whitecaps.

Hall struggled comparatively with Lakeland (4.15 ERA, 54 strikeouts in 60.2 innings). However, he has a chance to bounce back next year.

Next: The Tigers 10 Best Prospects Right Now

If Hall can adjust and continue to post excellent results, he could very well crack the Detroit Tigers pitching staff in the future.