Detroit Tigers: Top prospect Alex Faedo and the minor league journey

Alex Faedo is ranked as the Detroit Tigers #3 prospect (according to MLB.com) and is just starting his minor league journey. Where he will start in the minors, nobody knows!

Alex Faedo is currently in Major League camp with the Detroit Tigers as a non roster invitee (NRI). Most folks agree that due to his advanced age and pitching ability, he will start at Lakeland.

Could Alex Faedo conceivably make the opening day roster or the Tigers at any point in 2017? The answer is almost 99% no, but there is a small minuscule chance. However, Al Avila indicated he does not want to rush young prospects to the majors, especially on a losing team. So do not expect to see Faedo in 2018, but 2019 could be a whole different story.

Faedo did not pitch professionally in 2017 due to his high workload with the University of Florida Gators and their College World Series run. However, there is a good chance that if the Tigers are contending he could be used out of their bullpen.

During Faedo’s senior year at Florida he pitched to an ERA of 2.26. He accomplished this by striking out 157 batters in 123.2 innings for 11.43 K/9. He also only gave up 6.91 H/9, according to The Baseball Cube.  Faedo also recorded one save his senior year. Future closer? No, probably not. Future all-star starting pitcher? We sure hope so.

Another one of Faedo’s strong suits is his tendency to NOT give up home runs. In 288.2 innings pitched for the University of Florida Gators, Faedo surrendered only 19 home runs. Which netted him only 0.59 HR/9.

Faedo in 2018

With Faedo conceivably starting at High-A Lakeland with the Flying Tigers, he will be much more advanced than a decent number of other Tigers prospects. Faedo will more than likely be moved up to Double A Erie with the Sea Wolves. He still needs to iron out some command issues, he has great control with okay command. Another reason shy he will stay in the minors is he must throw his change-up more as a professional and feel more comfortable with it. Because of this, there is a good chance he will not see time with the Triple A Toledo Mud Hens, except maybe a one game cameo. Do not expect Faedo in a Mud Hens uniform, let alone a Detroit Tigers uniform.

The only way you will see Faedo in one of those uniforms is if every game is a shutout or no hitter. There is absolutely no reason to rush him to the majors in the trying year of 2018.

Next: Four Tiger Prospects Entering make-or-break seasons

Faedo is still a year away from the majors, at the least. Regardless, it would behoove fans to keep an eye on him. He could very well be the next home grown Cy Young award winner. Possibly in the same vein as a Justin Verlander.