Detroit Tigers Top 30 Prospects for 2024: #3 Max Clark

Detroit Tigers first round pick from 2023, Max Clark, comes in at third overall on our countdown of Tigers prospects ahead of the 2024 season.

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Defense

It's pretty straightforward in terms of defense. It's a premium operation in the outfield. He has a feel for the spot, being able to run balls down like nobody's business. It was jokingly labeled as "Platinum Glove" upside by some colleagues with Perfect Game, but seriously, it's impressive defense.

He has the athleticism and range to stick in centerfield; it'll be more of a question if he plays better in right field with a cannon for an arm. He was throwing into the low 90s off the mound during his prep days, so the arm speed and strength are there. Pair that with a 6.33 60-yard dash and 4.02 home-to-first times, and it's easy to see the upside in the outfield with Clark.

2023 Stats

After being drafted, it was a quick turnaround for Clark, who was shipped off to Lakeland to get his career started with the Tigers. Clark was able to head down to Lakeland and get acclimated before finding himself thrown into the fire on the backfields.

He managed to play in 12 games for the FSL Complex League affiliate on the backfields. Clark also logged 11 games for the Single-A Lakeland Flying Tigers as well. His 23-game stint last summer saw him total 85 at-bats in his debut. He slashed .224/.383/.376 with five doubles, a triple, two home runs, and 19 RBI.

He walked 21 times and struck out 25 times for the Tigers, likely making Scott Harris proud, given his philosophy of working the counts that he's piloted since coming to Detroit. Now, in 2024, Clark is looking to make some more noise, and the swing change could be a reason for him to do so.

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