Detroit Tigers: Top prospects’ minor league stats so far

Kyle Funkhouser
Position: Starting Pitcher
Age: 23
Current Affiliate: Advanced-A Lakeland
MCB Preseason Prospect Rank: #4

Kyle Funkhouser was previously drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first round of the 2015 draft.

A fourth-round pick of the Detroit Tigers in 2016, Funkhouser is performing like a pitcher who was a first-rounder.

After pitching to a 2.65 ERA in 37.1 innings for Connecticut last season, Funkhouser has thrived in stops with West Michigan and Lakeland this season.

In seven starts to begin the year with Detroit’s Single-A affiliate, the right-hander sat down 14.1 batters via the strikeout in 31.1 frames. He also notched a 1.372 WHIP while allowing just 13 walks and 11 earned runs.

In three starts since making the move to Lakeland, Funkhouser has continued to find success. He’s struck out 24 in only 19.1 innings.

What’s more, the Louisville product has limited mistakes, with just five runs, one home run and one walk allowed in three starts.

He’s a little further out than Stewart and Burrows, but Funkhouser could move into the Tigers rotation in the future.

Mike Gerber
Position: Outfielder
Age: 24
Current Affiliate: Advanced-A Lakeland
MCB Preseason Prospect Rank: #6

A 15^th-round pick in the 2014 draft, Mike Gerber has forced his way into being a top prospect for the Detroit Tigers with some excellent production.

A lifetime .289 hitter with a .826 OPS in the minors, the outfielder is off to another strong start with Double-A Erie this season.

In 53 games, Gerber is batting .303 with a .372 on-base percentage, a .462 slugging percentage and a .833 OPS.

He’s also contributed a 134 wRC+, a .374 wOBA, 36 runs scored, 23 walks, 20 RBI, 15 doubles, seven stolen bases and six home runs.

Even better? Gerber has played center field on a consistent basis this season.

Next: Tigers are in need of some rotation depth

It is obviously still early in the process, but it’s easy to get excited about a potential center fielder who can fill up the stat sheet in a variety of different ways.