Detroit Tigers Future Friday: 3 Prospects who made huge gains in 2018

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LAKELAND, FL – MARCH 01: A view from the Tiger spring training home Joker Marchant Stadium before the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium on March 1, 2016 in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Jacob Robson

Since being selected in the eighth round of the 2016 draft, Robson’s future value has long counted on him developing at least a little bit of power. He is a speed-first, high-OBP hitter who hit just four home runs in 167 minor league games between 2016 and 2017.

2018 was the year fans were waiting for, as the 23-year-old outfielder finally showed some over the wall pop, while maintaining his excellent speed and on-base skills. He started the year out at Double-A Erie, where he slashed .286/.382/.450 with seven home runs, 11 stolen bases and a 133 wRC+. He was promoted to Triple-A primarily to fill-in while Christin Stewart was hurt, but he hit so well at that level that he never relinquished his spot.

In 57 games with Toledo, Robson slashed .305/.369/.427 with four home runs, seven steals, and a 127 wRC+. He posted a 12.5% walk rate in Double-A and a 9.4% rate at Triple-A, while maintaining a strikeout rate around 25%.

Strikeouts may be a factor down the line, but at this point Robson’s strong season has him in the picture at some point in 2019. Don’t expect to see him there on opening day, but if he keeps hitting over .300 in Toledo he will find his way onto the big league roster. Especially if that power keeps up.

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