Detroit Tigers: Minor League, Statistical Standouts So Far

Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila has gradually improved the franchise’s farm system. Here is a look at some of Detroit’s minor league statistical standouts so far during the 2017 season.

Detroit Tigers fans saw a number of young players impress in Spring Training.

JaCoby Jones, Dominic Ficociello, Jason Krizan and Dixon Machado all turned in quality camps from a position-player standpoint.

In terms of pitchers, Matt Boyd, Ruben Alaniz and Sandy Baez all stood out.

Moving forward, it certainly bodes well for the Tigers to see the team’s best young talents making strides.

This is especially true as many of the team’s top prospects get closer to making their Major League debuts.

Dating back to the beginning of last season, Tigers fans saw Michael Fulmer, JaCoby Jones and Joe Jimenez all make their first appearances at baseball’s highest level.

Moving forward, it isn’t unreasonable to expect the likes of Christin Stewart, Mike Gerber and Tyler Alexander wear Detroit Tigers uniforms in the next two seasons.

Outfield prospects Stewart and Gerber have both found success this season, and are two of just a number of Tigers minor league players performing well to open 2017.

Here’s a look at said Detroit Tigers prospects.

Christin Stewart
Age: 23
Positon: Left Fielder
Affiliate: Double-A Erie SeaWolves
Hits: Left-Handed

Undoubtedly the Detroit Tigers’ top position-player prospect, Stewart began the 2017 season with the Erie SeaWolves.

In 10 games so far for Detroit’s Double-A affiliate, the outfielder has mashed three home runs, two triples and a double. He’s driven in eight runs, scored seven himself and stolen a pair of bases.

What’s more, Stewart has shown his trademark ability to draw walks, with eight free passes compared to seven strikeouts.

Mike Gerber
Age: 24
Positon: Outfielder
Affiliate: Double-A Erie SeaWolves
Hits: Left-Handed

Stewart’s teammate in Erie, Mike Gerber has hit his way into becoming one of the organization’s better prospects.

In four seasons in the minors, Gerber is a .287 hitter with a .825 OPS, 204 RBI, 195 runs scored, 82 doubles 40 home runs, 36 stolen bases and 20 triples.

So far in 10 contests with the SeaWolves, the 24-year-old is batting .302 with a .836 OPS, eight runs scored, six RBI, three stolen bases, two home runs and two doubles.

Gerber has also played exclusively in center field this season, which should help him make the team in the future considering his versatility has allowed him to see time at both corner outfield spots in the past.

Jose Azocar
Age: 20
Positon: Center Fielder
Affiliate: Advanced-A Lakeland Flying Tigers
Hits: Right-Handed

Outside of Gerber and potentially Derek Hill, Jose Azocar is the Detroit Tigers’ next-best center field prospect.

The 20-year-old showed plenty of promise with 56 runs scored, 51 RBI, 14 stolen bases, 11 doubles and eight triples in 129 games for West Michigan last season.

Azocar’s 2017 numbers in 11 games—.280 batting average, .740 OPS, five runs scored, four RBI, one triple and a double—won’t jump off the page.

However, the outfielder has already mashed two home runs in 50 at-bats. If he can hit for more power moving forward, he could eventually be a long-term starter for Detroit at the Major League level.

Jason Krizan
Age: 27
Positon: Outfielder
Affiliate: Double-A Erie SeaWolves
Hits: Left-Handed

Jason Krizan isn’t your traditional prospect considering he’s already 27, but that hasn’t stopped him from hitting the cover off the baseball for the SeaWolves.

In 40 at-bats, Krizan his hitting .400 with a blistering 1.233 OPS. He’s also tacked on 13 RBI, seven runs scored, three doubles and two stolen bases.

What is perhaps most impressive is that the outfielder, who can also play first base and second base, has swatted four home runs.

He entered 2017 with just 36 career bombs in six minor league seasons. His career high came in 2016 with 10 homers.

John Hicks
Age: 27
Positon: Catcher
Affiliate: Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens
Hits: Right-Handed

Another player who isn’t a traditional prospect, Hicks is also 27. However, the former fourth-round pick still shows plenty of promise as a catching option for Detroit.

The backstop has put on a hit clinic so far with Toledo.

In 30 at-bats, Hicks has 14 hits, 12 RBI, four runs scored, a home run, a triple, a double and a stolen base.

If Hicks can continue to hit, he’ll be well on his way to establishing himself as Detroit’s third catcher.

Joe Jimenez
Age: 22
Positon: Relief Pitcher
Affiliate: Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens
Throws: Right-Handed

Even though Joe Jimenez made his Major League debut earlier in the month, he still ranks as one of Detroit’s best and brightest prospects.

The Tigers closer of the future has so far logged four outings in a Mud Hens’ uniform. Per usual, he’s been dominant.

Jimenez has allowed just three hits and a pair of walks. Of the 16 batters he’s faced, the right-hander has struck out seven of them.

Next: Detroit's Offense Will Only Get Better As 2017 Progresses

That’s certainly not a bad ratio.