5 Detroit Tigers prospects who have raised their profiles

Detroit Tigers outfield prospect Eric De La Rosa:

Drafted in the 7th round in the 2018 draft, Eric De La Rosa struggled in making consistent contact. He showed little power and plate discipline and his own words, was trying to find his identity as a ballplayer.

In getting to know De La Rosa, the work he put into getting better showed starting in Lakeland. His approach at the plate was much focused as in 16 games in Lakeland, the 24-year-old showed he belonged at High-A, putting up a slash line of .276/.391/.41 with a wRC+ of 126 for the Flying Tigers before getting called up to High-A West Michigan and he continued to produce.

In 208 at-bats at West Michigan, De La Rosa was able to steal 22 bases, hit .293/.373/.462, and provided one of the most memorable moments in Whitecaps history with their first walk-off home run in nearly a decade.

His .ISO number grew just a bit at West Michigan but he was still striking out at around 30% but was still getting on base as he produced a .851 OPS from July 22nd until August 10th with a wRC+ of 132 before he got the call up to Erie.

Since his call up to Double-A, he is striking out just around 25.6%, walking almost a 9% clip, and increasing his .ISO to 227 in 75 at-bats so far.

If he can show he can hit spin and use his speed effectively in 2022, De La Rosa could continue to increase his ceiling.  De La Rosa’s rise through the system should be noted as one that was rather unexpected but a welcomed sight.