Detroit Tigers: Top 5 Futures Game Alumni

Coming in at Number 2 on this list is Nicholas Castellanos, the only Futures Game MVP the Detroit Tigers have had. He represented Team USA in 2012.

Nick Castellanos barely holds serve against Brandon Inge, which is likely a personal bias, but he has posted a stellar career up to this point. In his nine seasons, Castellanos has posted a .279 average and appears to be getting better with age. He will likely be an All-Star this year and is currently leading the National League in batting average as a member of the Cincinnati Reds. Castellanos played seven years with the Tigers, slashing .274/.324/.459 while playing third base and right field. He struggled in the field, but despite that, he still posted a positive WAR each year following his rookie year. Castellanos finished eighth in Rookie of the Year voting with the Tigers and was a key cog on the last Detroit Tigers team that finished above .500. He also led the league in triples with 10 in 2017. He was traded to the Chicago Cubs for Paul Richan and Alex Lange in 2019, a return that many critics believe is far too little. That year, Castellanos led the league in doubles with 58 across his time with both teams.

Castellanos hit a three-run home run in the 2012 Futures Game, leading to him being named MVP of the contest. Castellanos has been a double machine throughout his career, drilling 267 two-baggers, and look below to watch him hit number 200.

Nick Castellanos was a productive player on the Detroit Tigers and will be revered as one of the game’s top hitters for years to come.