Detroit Tigers: Three Prospects Who Shouldn’t Be Traded at Deadline

1. Joe Jimenez

At just 21 years of age, Joe Jimenez is dominating opposing hitters in the minor leagues.

The reliever, and likely closer of the future for the Tigers, owns a 1.33 ERA and 172 strikeouts in just 115 minor league innings.

Jimenez has been excellent in years past, but has saved his best for this season.

In a mere 27.1 innings split between Lakeland and Eerie, the reliever has only allowed 11 hits, a singular earned run and seven walks. Jimenez also has a staggering 46 strikeouts over the same span.

Those 46 punch outs look even more impressive considering Jimenez has only faced 100 batters all season.

Considering Jimenez’ dominance and the fact that Detroit’s bullpen is far from perfect, the argument can be made to call up the top prospect. Regardless of whether the team calls him up or not in 2016, the Tigers shouldn’t include Jimenez in any potential deal.

Francisco Rodriguez won’t be around forever and Jimenez could take over for him in the long run. Bruce Rondon and Justin Wilson have both flashed closer-like potential at times this season, but given Jimenez’ potential to dominate, he’ll likely be Detroit’s closer of the future.

If Jimenez and young pitchers like Rondon, Gerson Moreno and Adam Ravenelle can continue to develop, the Tigers could have an imposing bullpen before too long.