Detroit Tigers Rule 5 Draft: Max Pentecost is a hypothetical fit

Pentecost

It was a surprising decision by the Blue Jays to not include Pentecost on the 40-man roster.

However, the former first-round pick suffered a shoulder injury in 2014 according to a recent article by Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi.

In his minor league career, he’s been limited to 681 at-bats.

In fact, per the same article, Pentecost was recently shut down in the Arizona Fall League with more shoulder pain.

Pentecost has had no trouble swinging the bat, slashing .276/.332/.434 with a 124 wRC+ in 286 at-bats for Advanced-A Dunedin last season.

In 2016, Pentecost hit .314 with a staggering 154 wRC+ for Toronto’s Single-A affiliate in Lansing.

The fit in Detroit is definitely there.

The Detroit Tigers will go into 2018 with James McCann as their starting catcher.

Beyond McCann, the Tigers are pretty thin.

John Hicks posted a 102 wRC+ in 173 at-bats in Detroit last year. However, he doesn’t make the same kind of impact that McCann does defensively and ended up playing more first base than catcher.

Prospect Grayson Greiner is likely the third-string catcher.

He only has career 18 at-bats at Triple-A. Additionally, at 6’6 he could be destined for a move out from behind the plate to ease his knees.

The 24-year-old Pentecost could be used as a third string catcher and occasional designated hitter for the Tigers.

His strong hitting in the minors and advanced age provide optimism that he could contribute for the Tigers right away.

Between McCann, Pentecost and Greiner the Tigers would have reason to feel confident that the catcher position is set for the future.

Pentecost, like anyone available in the Rule 5 draft, comes with some risks as well.