5 Prospects That Will Make an Impact for 2015 Detroit Tigers

Mar 10, 2015; Clearwater, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder Tyler Collins (18) runs to first base during the second inning of a spring training baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

#1 Tyler Collins

We mentioned him before, but it appears it is Tyler Collins‘ time to shine.

The 24-year-old was a good story coming out of Lakeland last year. While he struggled a bit toward the end of camp, he made the season-opening roster for the first time in his career, making his debut on Opening Day. Collins didn’t notch his first hit until his seventh game of the season, a two-hit performance in Los Angeles against the Dodgers, but that would be it for that stint.

Collins was sent down to Toledo in exchange for J.D. Martinez, and because of J.D. Mart’s success, he was stranded in the minors despite hitting for power with 18 homers in 121 games at Toledo. After being called up in September, Collins immediately got busy, hitting a three-run homer in Cleveland on September 1.

One cause of concern with Collins being on the 25-man roster is how he will do without regular at-bats, something he appeared to struggle with in April of last year, but was fine with after his September call-up.

But with another year of experience under his belt, Tyler should fit in well with the outfield rotation and be a powerful bat off the bench when the Tigers need him.

Next: Cespedes as DH, Romine and Perez, Zeid on the way