Detroit Tigers top 20 prospects following 2017 MLB Draft

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Apr 7, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; General view of Tiger outside Comerica Park prior to the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Boston Red Sox. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

#17 Starting pitcher Austin Sodders

Current minor league affiliate: Advanced-A Lakeland Flying Tigers

Since being drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the seventh round in 2016, Austin Sodders has an excellent job in limiting mistakes and damage.

The southpaw’s career ERA sits at 1.72, while his number in the category this season checks in at a sparkling 1.41.

In 70.1 innings this season he owns a 0.938 WHIP and has allowed just 1.8 walks and 0.3 home runs per nine innings.

What’s more, Sodders is striking out 8.6 batters per nine innings this season.

Most of his work came at Single-A West Michigan, but he recently made the jump to Lakeland, where he gave up just three hits, a walk and a run in six innings.

If he can continue to limit damage and stay effective, he’ll be in Majors down the line.

#16 Outfielder Jose Azocar

Current minor league affiliate: Advanced-A Lakeland Flying Tigers

Jose Azocar had a fine 2016 season, batting .284 with 51 RBI, 19 extra-base hits and 14 stolen bases in 254 plate appearances for West Michigan against competition 1.6 years older than him.

Things haven’t gone as well in 2017, with a .217 average and a .538 OPS that is down from .656 last year.

Azocar still has plenty of potential, but he’s struggling as of now.

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