Detroit Tigers: Eight Prospects in the Low Minors to Keep an Eye on in 2017

Anthony Pereira
Age: 20
Position: Infielder
2016 Minor League Affiliate: Erie SeaWolves

On the surface, Pereira’s .208 batting average and .560 OPS don’t jump off the page.

However, in the infielder’s 38 games played last season, he routinely played against significantly older competition.

Per the player’s Baseball Reference page, opposing players were an average of 2.1 years older than him in the New York-Pennsylvania League.

Following his jump to West Michigan, his colleagues in the Midwestern League were 2.5 years older.

The same story was true in Pereira’s stops in the Florida State League (3.7 years older) and the Eastern League (5.3 years older).

If the Tigers were comfortable with promoting him against older competition, he clearly has upside. Watch this space.

Zach Shepherd
Age: 21
Position: Third Baseman
2016 Minor League Affiliate: Lakeland Flying Tigers

Similar to Pereira, Shepherd also spent the 2016 season hitting against players who were much older than him.

According to the Australia native’s Baseball Reference page, Shepherd’s competition in the Florida State League this season was 2.7 years older than him.

While the infielder’s .186 batting average wasn’t anything to write home about, Shepherd did manage to turn in a .301 on-base percentage. What’s more, he also started to showcase some power.

Next: Nine 2016 Tigers Draft Picks to Watch Next Season

In 121 games, Shepherd smashed 15 home runs to go along with 20 doubles and a triple. The third baseman also chipped in with 64 walks and 62 runs scored.