Max Clark's MLB debut might've just turned Tigers' season around completely

The Detroit Tigers finally called up their top prospect Max Clark to the big leagues for his MLB debut. While most of the chatter surrounding the Tigers right now has to do with Tarik Skubal and the trade deadline, Clark gave a promising glimpse of the future in his first big league action.

The young outfielder went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a walk, an RBI, and two runs scored. Compared to Kevin McGonigle’s big league debut earlier this season when he went 4-for-5 with two doubles and two RBI, it seems like the Tigers have their next budding star.

And ever since Clark stepped foot in MLB, the Tigers have been on fire. They are 4-0 in the four games he's appeared in. They have scored eight or more runs in six straight games for the first time since 1927 after defeating the Seattle Mariners 8-0 on Tuesday night. Clark is hitting .375 with a 1.188 OPS in his first 20 plate appearances.

The Tigers are 1.5 games out of a playoff spot despite trading Skubal and Casey Mize before Monday's deadline.

The truth is that they needed a jolt in the arm, especially in the outfield. The Tigers have been so decimated by injuries out there that it seemed like only a matter of time before Clark would get called up. He struggled for a bit in Triple-A though, so Detroit was wise to be patient with him because the results are now speaking for themselves.

In Triple-A this year he hit .276/.368/.434 with 11 home runs, 42 RBI, 21 stolen bases, and 66 strikeouts compared to 50 walks. He really does profile similarly to McGonigle at the plate. They’re both shorter left-handed hitters who make contact at a high rate and don’t strike out a ton. Clark may not be the raw hitter McGonigle is, but the Tigers don’t need him to be for him to become a solid big league player.

Max Clark has enough skills to be a game-changer for Tigers

His defense in the outfield and overall speed make him an asset even if he struggles a bit at the plate. Right off the bat, he brings a quality to Detroit's roster that they lack. And it's already been evident.

He’s just 21 years old, so there’s naturally going to be a learning curve, but right now he's looking like he's adjusting almost as comfortable as McGonigle has.

Clark just gave a very promising glimpse of the future and even if the Tigers do decide to sell, the young outfielder will be a reason for fans to tune in or show up to games the rest of this season. 

Maybe the Tigers needed the cloud of Skubal's impending trade to go away. Maybe it's all just a coincidence. But they appear to be hitting a nice stride right now, and Clark's addition has coincided with what could be another unlikely playoff run.

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