Detroit Tigers: Five prospects you could see on the Opening Day roster

Detroit Tigers: Five prospects you could see on the Opening Day roster in 2018

DETROIT, MI - APRIL 05: A detailed view of the opening day logo on the field at Comerica Park prior to the start of the opening day game between the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers on April 5, 2012 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Red Sox 3-2. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

2 of 3

DETROIT, MI – APRIL 7: A general view of Comerica Park prior to the start of the opening day game between the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers on April 7, 2017 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Bryan Garcia

You could have made the argument for Garcia making his Major League debut in September after tearing through Detroit’s minor league system during the 2017 campaign.

Garcia allowed just 26 hits, 14 walks and seven earned runs compared to 66 strikeouts in 41.2 innings before reaching Toledo at the tail-end of the season.

The hard-throwing reliever proceeded to allow 10 hits, eight walks and six earned runs in 13.1 innings.

Still, it’s hard to deny his effectiveness. With a bullpen in flux, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him on the Opening Day unit.

Mike Gerber

Mike Gerber isn’t as toolsy as Daz Cameron or Derek Hill, but he’s made a name for himself by producing, producing and –wait for it—producing.

A capable defender who has experience at all three outfield spots, Gerber has yet to post a wRC+ below 116 in his time in the minors.

He reached Triple-A Toledo for the first time in 2017 after a strong campaign with Double-A Erie.

The outfielder hit .291 with a .363 on-base percentage, a .477 slugging percentage, 45 RBI, 22 doubles, 13 home runs, 10 stolen bases and two triples.

He kept it the offense in a brief spell with the Mud Hens to close out the year, logging eight hits, three runs scored, two doubles, two RBI and a triple in 20 plate appearances.

With JaCoby Jones failing to establish himself offensively in the Majors so far, Gerber could provide a better alternative at the plate.