Erie SeaWolves: Detroit Tigers of the Future

The Detroit Tigers top prospect is Franklin Perez. Perez was obtained in the 2017 Verlander trade to Houston.

Born in 1997, he was signed as a pitcher for $1 million in 2014 by the Astros. Age, potential, and talent all come into play when labeling Perez as the Tigers top prospect.

Perez is a right-handed pitcher and of MLB’s top prospects is #41 on the list. His best pitches are a lively fastball(mid 90’s) and a curve. He also throws a changeup and a slider.

After only 3 years in the minor leagues, Perez’ winning percentage continues to increase. At the same time, his ERA and WHIP continues to decline. Perez is currently pitching for the Erie SeaWolves. In 2017 Perez was 6 and 3 with an ERA slightly above 3. and a WHIP  hovering at 1.2.

The number 4 prospect for the Tigers is Beau Burrows. Beau was the 55th selection in the 2015 draft. We wrote more about him in a Future Friday post, seen here.

Burrows is an RHP and has a variety of pitches. His fastball is his best pitch and can reach the mid 90’s. He too commands a fastball, curve, slider, and changeup. He projects as a starting pitcher. Burrows is a top prospect due to his age, just 20, potential and talent level.

The number six top prospect for the Tigers is outfielder Christin Stewart. Stewart (24 yrs) was the overall 34th pick in the 2015 draft.

At this stage of his career, Stewart has shown to have some deficiencies in his fielding and has average speed. He projects to be a middle of the order hitter, however, because of big bat power.

In his one year at Erie, Stewart hit 28 home runs, 29 doubles, and 3 triples. He has a good eye and has a not great but good, .325 OPS.

2018 should be a fruitful year for the Detroit Tigers AA affiliate.

As we have seen in 2017, the Detroit Tigers will rely heavily on young players and prospects this upcoming year. We have already seen the blossoming skills of young 3rd baseman Jeimer Candelario who hit .330 with 2 home runs and 13 RBI’s for the Tigers last season.

Nicholas Castellanos has recently said that Candelario is the real deal and can put the bat on the ball. For the Tigers to succeed they must develop others, like Candelario, in their minor league system.

Next: How Will The 2018 Defense Be?

Obviously, we will first see AAA players from Toledo reach the big club. It will be necessary for Tigers success, however, that young players from Erie SeaWoves develop their potential into talent at the big league level.