Detroit Tigers: Projecting the 2022 West Michigan Whitecaps lineup

Detroit Tigers: West Michigan Outfield Projections (4)

• Ben Malgeri – An intriguing under-the-radar college bat, Ben Malgeri showed a solid mix of power, speed, and on-base ability in his pro debut. He can capably play all three outfield positions, and he should be ready for the challenge of High-A.
• Parker Meadows – Long one of the most frustrating prospects in Detroit’s system, Parker Meadows has athleticism, bloodlines, and tools, but so far no real success in pro ball. He’s still just 22, and sometimes it takes longer for tall players to develop, so we have Meadows ticketed for a third consecutive year with the Whitecaps.
• Bryant Packard – Packard’s strong pro debut in 2019 made him a favorite among Tigers prospect watchers. He transformed his body before the 2021 season, but the bloom came off his prospect rose a bit after he hit just .222/.310/.369 over 54 injury-riddled games. He has a strong track record of hitting, though, and if he’s healthy this year he may be able to regain his lofty prospect status.
• Austin Schultz – Detroit’s 10th-round pick last year, Schultz was a quality hitter with plus speed and gap power for three years at Kentucky. He had a solid pro debut, including four games with the Whitecaps, so he figures to return to High-A to begin 2022. He played mostly outfield last year, but he also has a lot of experience at second base.