5 Prospects That Will Make an Impact for 2015 Detroit Tigers

Mar 10, 2015; Clearwater, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder Steven Moya (33) swings and misses during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

#4: Steven Moya

Being the top prospect in the Detroit Tigers’ organization can be a scary proposition. Just mere hours after being named the top prospect last fall, Devon Travis was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays for Anthony Gose. That meant #2 prospect Steven Moya ascended to #1.

Moya is very exciting and had about as good of a minor league season as you can have. The 23-year old racked up an All-Star Game MVP, league MVP, and appearance in the MLB All-Star Futures Game. He also impressed in the Arizona Fall League this past October and November. He has also been pretty good in Spring Training thus far.

Still, he may need a bit of seasoning of his raw skills in Toledo. Some worry about the hitch in his swing and his problems hitting against right-handers.

Unless Moya suddenly catches fire in Spring Training against big league-caliber pitching, especially right handers, he should not make the team. He is an intriguing prospect but needs the proper treatment.

If he tears up AAA like J.D. Martinez did a year ago, then he will be with the Tigers before September. If injuries fell one or two of the outfielders, he’ll be up sooner.