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Detroit Tigers: Midseason Top 30 Prospects

By Andy Patton

MIAMI, FL - JULY 09: Beau Burrows #55 of the Detroit Tigers and the U.S. Team delivers the pitch against the World Team during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Marlins Park on July 9, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - JULY 09: Beau Burrows #55 of the Detroit Tigers and the U.S. Team delivers the pitch against the World Team during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Marlins Park on July 9, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Carr/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) /

30. Alvaro Gonzalez, SS

Highest: 23 Lowest: 30

Age: 17

Level: R

Stats: .233/.357/.364 in 37 games

Gonzalez was Detroit’s prize in the 2016-2017 international recruiting class. A 17-year-old shortstop, Gonzalez is very undersized at six-foot and 165 pounds. However, if he fills out he has the potential to tap into some power. The speed is already there, and scouts are cautiously optimistic that he can stick at shortstop long-term. At 17 and with just 37 professional games under his belt, it’s hard to make too many grand predictions for Gonzalez yet.

29. Zac Houston, RHP

Highest: 15 Lowest: UR

Age: 23

Level: AA/AAA

Stats: 1.77 ERA, 16.38 K/9 in 20.1 innings at Triple-A

Houston was an 11th round pick by the Tigers back in 2016. Since then he has posted absolutely electric strikeout numbers throughout the minors. That includes 62 strikeouts in 37.2 innings this season, with a 0.95 WHIP and a 2.15 ERA. Houston is strictly a reliever, but he could find himself in Detroit’s bullpen sooner rather than later. – AP

28. Troy Montgomery, OF

Highest: 21 Lowest: UR

Age: 23

Level: A+/AA

Stats: .227/.346/.287 with seven steals at AA

Montgomery originally came to Detroit in the Ian Kinsler trade over the offseason. He has split his first year with the Tigers between High-A and Double-A. He has excellent plate discipline, but his .227 average and complete lack of power (0 home runs) certainly dim his prospect star going forward.

27. Kody Clemens, 2B

Highest: 24 Lowest: 28

Age: 22

Level: A

Stats: .250/.375/.403 in 20 games

Roger Clemens‘ son, second baseman Kody Clemens, was Detroit’s third round pick in 2018. He’s only played in a handful of games for the Tigers, but his burgeoning power and quick development defensively at the keystone are promising signs. He already looks like a prime contender to be Detroit’s future starter at second base, and has the potential to provide 15-20 home runs per season in his prime.

26. Joey Morgan, C

Highest: 23 Lowest: 28

Age: 21

Level: A

Stats: .234/.331/.332 in 63 games at A-ball

Morgan holds a strong defensive reputation with an above average arm. There are some question marks around the bat at the professional level. His power tool is average at bat, but there is some thought he could make enough contact to be an every day player. If not, a defense first backup catcher role seems perfect for him. – SF

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