Detroit Tigers future success will be built on starting rotation

Franklin Perez and Matt Manning

Franklin Perez, the centerpiece in the Justin Verlander trade, is just 19 and turned in a 3.09 ERA in his first taste of Double-A ball.

He’s jumped to the front of the queue in terms of Tigers prospects and has the look of a frontline pitcher thanks to a four-pitch arsenal and solid command.

In terms of frontline potential, there’s also the two starting pitchers Perez leapfrogged in becoming Detroit’s top prospect.

The Tigers’ top pick in 2016, Matt Manning dominated hitters in the Gulf Coast League in his first taste of professional ball with 46 strikeouts and a 1.159 WHIP in 29.1 innings.

He continued to dominate in Connecticut to begin 2017 with a 1.89 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 33.1 frames.

Manning made the jump to West Michigan, where he finished the season, and showed extremely well.

After two rough starts in which the 19-year-old allowed a combined eight runs, five walks and four hits in just 2.1 innings, he responded with a decent start (4.1 frames, seven strikeouts, five hits, three runs and two walks allowed) before beginning to dominate once again.

In his final three starts of the season, Manning threw a cumulative 16 innings, striking out 25 batters compared to just 11 hits and six walks. He didn’t allow a run.

With a blazing fastball, a curveball that should be above average and a developing changeup, Manning could eventually join Perez as a frontline pitcher in the Motor City.