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Detroit Tigers: Five prospects who will make their debut in 2018

ByAndy Patton|
DETROIT, MI - APRIL 7: A general view of Comerica Park during the tribute to former owner Michael Ilitch during the opening day celebrations prior to that start of the game against the Boston Red Sox game on April 7, 2017 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - APRIL 7: A general view of Comerica Park during the tribute to former owner Michael Ilitch during the opening day celebrations prior to that start of the game against the Boston Red Sox game on April 7, 2017 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
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KANSAS CITY, MO – SEPTEMBER 27: A baseball sits on the field before the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on September 27, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Brian Davidson/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – SEPTEMBER 27: A baseball sits on the field before the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on September 27, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Brian Davidson/Getty Images)

Christin Stewart

A 2015 competitive balance pick that the Tigers acquired when Max Scherzer departed via free agency, Stewart has long displayed impressive power numbers. He blasted 30 home runs in 2016, a season split  between High-A and Double-A.

He followed that up by blasting 28 more in 2017, all with Double-A Erie.

In addition to Stewart’s prodigious power, he has shown an excellent eye at the plate. He posted a stellar 16.7% walk rate at High-A. That was followed up by a 10.1% walk rate at Double-A.

Stewart’s batting profile at the big league level will likely fall into the three true outcomes category. Three true outcomes, popularized by sluggers like Adam Dunn, Jack Cust and Rob Deer, are players who have a high likelihood of either hitting a home run, drawing a walk or striking out. Indeed Stewart has shown a solid knack for all three, posting a 24.9% strikeout rate last season.

Stewart in 2018?

Stewart, Detroit’s tenth ranked prospect, is almost certainly ticketed for Triple-A Toledo. He has seen a handful of at-bats in spring training, going 2-for-3 with a walk and three runs scored in two games. The Tigers do not view him as part of the preseason competition for a spot in the outfield.

However, Stewart could make his way to the Motor City early in the season, should he hit well at Triple-A. He has yet to face pitching at that level, so his big league debut will be largely determined by how he does in Toledo. If he is able to continue to draw walks and hit home runs, while either limiting or maintaining his strikeout rate, there’s a chance he could be up early in the season (May or June) if someone else is struggling or injured.

Should Stewart struggle in Triple-A, or the Tigers not need his services, it seems almost certain that he will be a September call-up this season.

Tigers fans will get a chance to see what Stewart can do in the big leagues in 2018. When exactly has yet to be determined, but fans can count on his powerful left-handed swing making an appearance.

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