Detroit Tigers: Potential 2017 Rookie of the Year Candidates

Joe Jimenez
Position: Relief Pitcher
Age: 22
Throws: Right-Handed

Once again, Jimenez and Jones stand out as the most likely candidates given their upside and comparatively easy paths to playing time.

Whether one or both of the duo makes Detroit’s Opening Day roster remains to be seen, but they could contribute later in the season.

Despite a crowded bullpen, Jimenez could eventually pitch his way onto the Major League squad.

As it is, Brad Ausmus doesn’t have too many relievers to call on with swing-and-miss type stuff.

Only Justin Wilson, Shane Greene, Francisco Rodriguez and Mark Lowe finished with more than eight strikeouts per nine innings last season.

Jimenez, meanwhile, has punched out 13 batters per nine innings in his minor league career.

With the exception of Rodriguez, the aforementioned relievers all struggled at some point in 2016.

Adding Jimenez and his ability to miss bats to the group could give the Tigers’ bullpen a significant boost.

Considering the pitching prospect isn’t likely to immediately come in and become the club’s top setup reliever, he may not be able to make much of an impact where the Rookie of the Year voting is concerned.

However, stranger things have happened, and Jimenez certainly has the talent to succeed.

JaCoby Jones
Position: Center Field
Age: 24
Hits: Right-Handed

Elsewhere, Jones may be Detroit’s best bet at having a repeat performance.

The center fielder isn’t a perfect prospect in the sense that he’s struck out a significant clip in the minors.

However, he has the upside to be a dynamic player at the Major League level thanks to his combination of speed and power.

Even if he doesn’t make the Major League roster, Jones has the potential to make an impact this season for Detroit.

The Tigers other center field options currently include Mikie Mahtook, Tyler Collins and Anthony Gose.

All have shown promise in the past, but none of the three have been able to consistently perform at the game’s highest level.

This could leave the door open for Jones in terms of establishing himself in 2017.

A plus defender waiting to happen, the former Pittsburgh farmhand would also bring some much-needed pop to the bottom of Detroit’s lineup.

Final Verdict

Detroit rookies could find it difficult to make an impact in the Rookie of the Year voting considering the likes of Andrew Benintendi, Yoan Moncada, Lucas Giolito and Aaron Judge could all see significant playing time next season.

Next: Tigers Reportedly Add Infield Depth

However, both Joe Jimenez and JaCoby Jones have the talent to make things interesting in the race for Rookie of the Year.