Detroit Tigers: Notable prospects not on 40-man roster eligible for Rule 5 Draft

Mike Gerber and Derek Hill

Of the group, Gerber is perhaps the most ready to make an impact in the Majors.

The 25-year-old hit .304 with a .373 on-base percentage, a .496 slugging percentage and an .869 OPS while working extensively as a center fielder.

He added 69 runs scored, 50 RBI, 26 doubles, 14 home runs, 10 stolen bases and three triples in 432 plate appearances predominantly spent with Double-A Erie.

It’s obviously hard to judge a prospect based on production, but it’s hard to ignore how successful Gerber has been at the plate.

He finished the 2017 season with Triple-A Toledo, where he collected eight hits, three runs scored, two doubles, two RBI, two walks and a triple in 20 plate appearances.

Gerber also struck out seven times, but it was encouraging to see the prospect hit the ground running with the Mud Hens.

Derek Hill will likely need a 40-man roster spot as well.

Armed with elite speed and defensive ability, Hill will be an impact player in the Majors if he can contribute somewhat at the plate.

He finished 2017 with Advanced-A Lakeland, and would likely be higher up the ladder if injuries hadn’t previously limited him in his career.