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

By Andy 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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Detroit Tigers
DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 18: A detail of a Detroit Tigers hat. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Kody Eaves

Kody Eaves was profiled as one of our ‘under-the-radar‘ prospects to keep an eye on this season. He was competing for Detroit’s utility infielder role, although he is unlikely to beat out Niko Goodrum, Ronny Rodriguez or Pete Kozma for the position.

However, Eaves could very likely make his big league debut in 2018, especially if he has a strong showing in his first extended look at Triple-A.

The former Angels farmhand crept onto MLB pipeline’s top-30 list, coming in at number 30 for the Tigers. He slashed .272/.343/.472 with 13 home runs, seven stolen bases and a 124 wRC+ last season. That led to a handful of at-bats at Triple-A down the stretch, where he will likely start in 2018.

Defensively, Eaves has started 119 games at third base and 64 games at second base while in Detroit’s organization. With Jeimer Candelario locking down third base for the forseeable future, Eaves’ best avenue to big league at-bats is either at second base or as a utility infielder.

Eaves in 2018?

Alexi Amarista seems to have the utility infielder role on lock down. The final bench spot looks to be between Niko Goodrum and JaCoby Jones, who is working out as an infielder to improve his versatility.

That leaves Eaves and Ronny Rodriguez waiting in the wings at Triple-A. Eaves is 24 and swings from the left side, making him an appealing bench option for the Tigers in the not-so-distant future.

Expect Eaves to begin the year with a starting role at Triple-A, either at second base or third base. Injuries or a midseason trade could push him onto the big club early in the year. If not, don’t be surprised to see him make his big league debut as a September call-up.

Next: Four under-the-radar prospects to keep an eye on

Any combination of these five prospects could spend time in the Motor City in 2018. There are certainly others who could also don the Olde English D next year.

Wins may not come easily for the Tigers in 2018. However, these new faces will give fans plenty to watch in year one of the rebuild.

Home/Detroit Tigers Prospects