Detroit Tigers minor league tools series: Best Power

Detroit Tigers Best Power Tools: Honorable Mention

Dillon Dingler – C

For the first two months of the season Dillon Dingler looked like one of the steals of the 2020 MLB Draft. Through 32 games in High-A West Michigan and his first 12 outings with Double-A Erie, Dingler hit .287 with 9 home runs and 20 extra-base hits, which was good for a .251 ISO. But then the floor caved in, and he batted just .189 with a .081 ISO over his final 41 games. At his best, Dingler shows above-average game power and the ability to go out to all fields. That dramatic second-half swoon was most likely the result of injury and the rigors of being a regular catcher, but it was enough to keep him out of the top five this year.

Reynaldo Rivera – DH/1B

If we only cared about raw power then Rey Rivera would be near the top of this list. He’s a massive human (listed at 6’6, 250) with equally massive pop, and when he connects the ball goes a very long way. Rivera hit 21 home runs in just 95 games, and in the process he tied the record for the most home runs in a season by a West Michigan hitter, and broke the record for the most career homers in a Whitecaps uniform. Unfortunately, Rivera hit just .207 last year, struck out in 37% of his plate appearances, and doesn’t add any defensive value. The door isn’t completely closed on him, but it’s unlikely Rivera makes much of an impact at higher levels.