Detroit Tigers Top 25 Prospects: 20-18, Turnbull, Houston and Garcia

19. Zac Houston
Age: 22
Throws: Right-Handed
Role: Relief Pitcher
2016 Minor League Affiliate: Connecticut Tigers

A potential steal in the 11^th round of the 2016 draft, Houston enjoyed an outstanding first season in the professional ranks.

Starting the season off at Connecticut in the New York-Penn League, the 6’5” right-hander didn’t allow a run in his first 10 innings. Over the same span, he racked up 19 strikeouts to just three walks.

Unfortunately, Houston did allow an earned run after his promotion to West Michigan.

The Mississippi State product saw his ERA rise from 0.00 to 0.46 after allowing just a single run in 19.2 frames for the Whitecaps.

In addition to keeping runners from crossing home plate, the 22-year-old also continued to strike batters out at a high rate.

During his time with West Michigan, the prospect punched out 13.7 batters per nine innings.

Potential Future Role With the Detroit Tigers

Considering that Houston made such light work out of opposing hitters in both the New York-Penn League and the Midwest League it would be a surprise to see him advance even further in the minors next season.

The right-hander will have to keep his walks down (5.5 free passes per nine frames with the White Caps), but his ability to keep runs off the board and strike batters out should see him reach Detroit’s bullpen sooner rather than later.