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

Detroit Tigers players were just swept by Cleveland. The result puts the team at .500, but the Tigers are far from out of it. If Detroit makes any moves at the trade deadline, these prospects shouldn’t be dealt.

Detroit Tigers teams of old have traded away top prospects in return for immediate upgrades at the big-league level—in other words, mortgaging the future.

Things are different now under relatively-new general manager Al Avila.

Despite fielding a contending roster loaded with star players and substantial contracts, Avila hasn’t dealt any of the team’s promising young players.

So far, the likes of Michael Fulmer, Nick Castellanos, Steven Moya, Daniel Norris, Matt Boyd and Bruce Rondon stay in the Detroit organization.

In addition to keeping hold of said players, Avila has also shown he can make significant upgrades without sacrificing too much in terms of prospects. Francisco Rodriguez, Cameron Maybin and Justin Wilson were all acquired for little more than a collection of mid-level prospects.

After a rough series against Cleveland, Detroit may be forced to add more pieces to the puzzle. These additions would likely come in the bullpen or on the bench, but additions are still needed.

Here are three prospects the Tigers should not deal ahead of the trade deadline.

This list excludes recent draftees, as well as players like Norris, Moya and Boyd who’ve made an impact with Detroit already.

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.

2. JaCoby Jones

Of all the prospects in the Detroit Tigers minor league system—save perhaps Matt Manning—JaCoby Jones may have the highest upside.

A .275 career hitter in the minors, Jones is a tremendous athlete and could be a long-term answer for Detroit at just about every position that doesn’t involve pitching or catching games behind the plate.

Jones came to the Tigers predominantly playing shortstop, but the player acquired for Joakim Soria has seen time at third base, first base and in center field since joining the Detroit organization.

In addition to having potential all over the diamond, Jones has tremendous raw power and the speed to do damage on the base paths. The player has 46 home runs and 49 RBI since making his professional debut in the Pittsburgh system in 2013.

“Stuffing the stat sheet” is generally a phrase reserved for basketball, but Jones has done just that. In addition to the home runs and the steals, the prospect has added 188 RBI, 180 runs scored, 58 doubles and 14 triples.

The Tigers recently promoted him to Triple-A, and he could make his Major League debut in Detroit before the playoffs roll around in October.