Detroit Tigers Top Prospects: #10-#6, Smith, Baez, Hill, Alexander and Gerber

#8 Derek Hill
Age: 21
Position: Center Fielder
2016 Minor League Affiliate: West Michigan Whitecaps

We interrupt the pitching section of this article to bring you former first-round pick Derek Hill.

A center fielder armed with elite speed, Hill has been slowed by injuries early in his minor league career. However, when he’s been on the field, he flashes significant upside.

In just 193 games played, the 21-year-old has already swiped 71 bases. What’s more, his bat is beginning to improve.

Over the span of 93 games for West Michigan in 2016, the 21-year-old hit 266 with a .312 on-base percentage.

He also chipped in with 66 runs scored, 31 RBI, 17 doubles, six triples and a home run.

Potential Future Role With the Detroit Tigers

Hill will miss part of the 2017 season after suffering an arm injury in early August last season. When healthy, he has the upside to be an exciting part of Detroit’s future.

Should he reach the Majors, Hill could eventually force JaCoby Jones to another position.

Long-term, the Tigers could have an elite outfield defense with the former first-round pick and Jones covering two-thirds of the outfield grass.

Coupled with young defenders like James McCann and Dixon Machado, Detroit could possess one of the league’s best defenses.