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.

Jairo Labourt
Age: 23
Positon: Relief Pitcher
Affiliate: Advanced-A Lakeland Flying Tigers
Throws: Left-Handed

One of three pitchers acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays for David Price—you may have heard of the other two, Matt Boyd and Daniel Norris—Labourt initially struggled as a starting pitcher in the Detroit organization.

The hard-throwing southpaw turned in a 6.31 ERA in seven starts down the stretch in 2015, and posted a 5.26 number in 87.1 frames (30 appearances) last season.

However, 30 appearances included 18 relief outings and nine instances where Labourt finished the game.

The switch to the bullpen seems to be favoring Labourt, who has allowed just five hits, a walk and an earned run in three appearances.

What is perhaps most encouraging is that the southpaw has struck out 10 in seven innings.

Victor Alcantara
Age: 24
Positon: Relief Pitcher
Affiliate: Double-A Erie SeaWolves
Throws: Right-Handed

Similar to Labourt, Alcantara spent much of his career working as a starting pitcher.

Also similar to Labourt, Alcantara came to Detroit via trade in the Cameron Maybin deal.

The hard-throwing reliever is finding success so far in the bullpen in 2017.

In four outings for Double-A Erie, Alcantara has a 1.00 ERA. He’s thrown nine innings and allowed eight hits, two walks and a run. He’s also punched out five.

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.