Detroit Tigers: Midseason Top 30 Prospects

5. Daz Cameron

Highest: 5 Lowest: 8

Age: 21

Level: A+/AA

Stats: 8 home runs, 18 stolen bases split between High-A and Double-A

The 21-year-old Cameron has made a killing every since getting promoted to Double-A Erie. In 32 games, Cameron has slashed .313/.380/.547 with five home runs and eight stolen bases. His power/speed combo is reminiscent of his father, the great Mike Cameron. Cameron also struggles with strikeouts like his dad, and that will end up hurting him at the big league level. Still, Cameron is a toolsy center field prospect who is tearing up Double-A, and is making a case to be roaming the outfield at Comerica Park sooner than many might have expected.

4. Franklin Perez

Highest: 2 Lowest: 4

Age: 20

Level: A+

Stats: 6.23 ERA, 13/8 K/BB ratio

Perez has seen his development take a hit after a lengthy stay on the disabled list with a lat injury. He’s thrown 17.1 innings in 2018, eight in rookie ball and 9.1 at High-A. His 6.23 ERA and 13/8 K/BB ratio are not good, but it’s not worth investing too much in those numbers after such a long DL-stint. Perez is still perhaps the most polished arm in Detroit’s farm system, with four plus pitches. He still has some work to do with his command, but at 20 years old he has all the makings of a future star.

3. Alex Faedo

Highest: 2 Lowest: 4

Age: 22

Level: A+/AA

Stats: 3.10 ERA in 12 starts at High-A

Faedo has seen a concerning velocity drop this season, but has still produced very solid results at two stops. He has a 71/24 K/BB ratio in 88 innings between High-A and Double-A. The low strikeout numbers are also a bit concerning. Faedo will need to get that heater back up into the mid-90’s if he wants to avoid becoming a late-inning reliever.

His plus slider has remained solid, and he’s still very young and inexperienced. The 2017 third overall pick has the potential to be a top-tier starting pitcher, he will just need to work on a few things to get there.

2. Matt Manning

Highest: 1 Lowest: 3

Age: 20

Level: A/A+

Stats: 96 strikeouts in 72 1/3 innings across two levels

Detroit’s first-round pick in 2016, Manning has absolutely dominated across two levels this season. He has a staggering 11.9 K/9 with a 3.28 ERA. Manning’s primary concern has been control, with a 4.74 BB/9. If he can learn how to command the zone, Manning is a future ace.

1. Casey Mize

Highest: 1 Lowest: 4

Age: 21

Level: N/A

Stats: Hasn’t made Pro Debut

Detroit’s first number one overall pick since Matt Anderson in 1997, the Tigers will hope to avoid the same fate that beset Anderson. Mize has all the makings of a frontline starter, with an excellent four-pitch mix that he can command. Even though he has yet to throw a professional inning, he comes in at No. 1 on our midseason top 30 list.

Next: Five Best Trades in Franchise History

Detroit’s system is pitching heavy, with Mize, Manning, Faedo, Perez, Burrows and Funkhouser all projecting to be big league starting pitchers. Of course, position players like Stewart and Cameron, as well as Paredes, could be huge pieces for Detroit’s rebuild as well.

Check in early next year for an updated look at the Detroit Tigers top 30 prospects heading into 2019.