3 highlights from Tigers' Spring Breakout game that have fans ready for future

The Detroit Tigers got to show off their top-ranked farm system Sunday in their Spring Breakout game against the top prospects in the Atlanta Braves' system. The Tigers' bats came alive early to build a lead over the Braves, and their pitching prospects held it to come away with the win.

Even more impressive than the 6-3 Tigers victory, though, were the individual performances by several of Detroit's top prospects. Whether they were swinging the bat or flashing the leather, these young players showed Sunday that the future in Detroit is bright.

3 highlights from Tigers' Spring Breakout game that will have Detroit fans ready for future

Bryce Rainer's RBI single to deep left

Bryce Rainer, the Tigers' first-round pick (No. 11 overall) in the 2024 MLB Draft, was the biggest storyline of the day. Playing as a pro for the first time, the 19-year-old shortstop went 2-for-3 at the plate with three RBI. After launching an opposite-field RBI single to deep left field, Rainer brought in two more runs in his next at-bat with a line drive that went over the shortstop's head.

Rainer is currently ranked the Tigers' No. 4 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, though he has yet to play his first season of rookie ball in the Florida Complex League. While it will likely be a few years before he is Major League-ready, his bat in particular should have Tigers fans excited about the future.

Kevin McGonigle's strong throw to first

Kevin McGonigle, Detroit's No. 3-ranked prospect, got the start at third base in Sunday's game and recorded an opposite-field single in the top of the third. In the bottom of the inning, he showed off his cannon for an arm when he snagged a grounder behind the bag and gunned it to Josue Briceño at first base, just barely missing the runner.

McGonigle, a first-round pick by the Tigers in the 2023 MLB Draft, quickly ascended the ranks of Detroit's system and earned a promotion to High-A West Michigan at the end of last season. His offense took a bit of a dip after his promotion, but if he can get back to raking the way he was with Single-A Lakeland, look out.

Max Clark's heads up play in center field

Max Clark, Detroit's No. 2 prospect behind pitcher Jackson Jobe, started the game in center field. He went 1-for-2 at the plate with an RBI, but arguably his most impressive performance was on defense. In the bottom of the third inning, he cleanly fielded a ground ball to center and gunned down the runner trying to sneak from second to third with a throw to second baseman Franyerber Montilla, who made the tag to end the inning.

Clark, selected ahead of McGonigle in the first round of the 2023 draft, is a fan favorite who rose to online fame last season when he fanboyed over the Tigers' surprise playoff run and went on to serve as a content correspondent during the World Series. He finished last season in High-A West Michigan and slashed an impressive .279/.372/.421 line, and it's safe to say fans are most excited about his future arrival.

More Tigers content from Motor City Bengals