Detroit Tigers Minor League Preview

With the Detroit Tigers expected to have another rough season, many fans will be paying closer attention to the minors to see who the franchise’s next stars will be. All season long we’ll be taking a look at what’s happening down on the farm.

With the minor league season set to begin this week, Detroit Tigers fans can get their first looks of 2018 at some of the club’s top prospects. Today we take a look at Detroit’s four full-season affiliates and what to watch for from them this year.

Toledo Mud Hens

The Toledo Mud Hens have been the Triple-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers since 1987. The Mud Hens play a 140-game slate in the 14-team International League.

Toledo shares the International League West Division with the Columbus Clippers (Cleveland), Indianapolis Indians (Pittsburgh), and Louisville Bats (Cincinnati).

The Mud Hens visit Louisville on Friday night in their season opener. They begin their home slate on Thursday, April 12 against the Pawtucket Red Sox at Fifth Third Field.

Coaching Staff

Former Minnesota Twin Doug Mientkiewicz takes over as the new Toledo manager for the 2018 season. Mientkiewicz joins the Tigers organization after five seasons as a manager in the Twins system.

He made four playoff appearances in five seasons and won a pair of league championships in the Minnesota organization. Mientkiewicz led the Fort Myers Miracle to the 2014 Florida State League Championship, and the Chattanooga Lookouts to the 2015 Southern League Championship.

Joining Mientkiewicz on the staff are a pair of returners in pitching coach Jeff Pico and hitting coach Brian Harper. Pico is entering his third year with Toledo and spent 2014-15 as the Cincinnati Reds pitching coach.

Harper is back for his second year with the Mud Hens. He played for 16 years in the majors and won the World Series with the Twins in 1991.

Players to Watch

Many teams use their Triple-A affiliate as more of a reserve squad for the parent club than a place for top prospects. The Tigers have placed a mix of veterans and prospects in Toledo to start the campaign.

Note: The number next to each prospect’s name indicates their rank within the Detroit Tigers organization according to MLB Pipeline.

INF Kody Eaves (30th): Kody Eaves came into 2018 with high hopes. 2017 saw him reach Triple-A for the first time, and he then tore up the Arizona Fall League, hitting .337 in 22 games.

His 2018 debut will have to wait, however, as an elbow injury will keep him on Toledo’s disabled list to start the season. Despite the injury, he’s likely to be one of many to make their Tigers debut this season.

OF Mike Gerber (11th): Mike Gerber has been a steady riser as he’s worked his way through the minors. A .291 hitter in four minor league seasons, Gerber profiles as a reserve who can play all three outfield spots. He’ll be battling with a teammate to be the first outfielder called up in 2018.

INF Dawel Lugo (12th): Dawel Lugo arrived in Detroit as a part of the trade that sent J.D. Martinez to Arizona. Lugo can play shortstop, second, or third, but is known more for his bat. He is a career .276 hitter and will be making his first appearance at Triple-A when he debuts this week.

OF Christin Stewart (10th): A former first-round pick, Christin Stewart may be the best power hitter in the system. Stewart has blasted a combined 58 homers and 53 doubles the last two years. He and Gerber will be battling to see who is called up first, but both will be up at some point.

Pitchers to Watch

RHP Grayson Long (15th): Grayson Long was acquired last summer from the Angels in the Justin Upton deal. Long made just one appearance after the trade, for Erie. The righty will be a member of the Mud Hens rotation to start the year and is expected to reach Detroit at some point this season.