Who should the Detroit Tigers protect from the Rule 5 draft?

Pitchers

There is another factor to consider, and that is the Tigers will have to finalize the minor league affiliates 38-man roster. This would prevent other teams from picking up players and continue whatever plans the Tigers may have for them. 

Intriguing minor league arms to look out for in 2024

Right-hander Yosber Sanchez: Sanchez was picked up from Texas earlier this season and spent time with the Dominican Summer League Tigers number one squad before a pair of games in the Florida Complex League Tigers and then finishing the season at Lakeland, where he flashed a fastball that was 96-98 MPH with a curve and what appears to be a plus slider. He is only 22 years old and if he can control his walk rate, this could be an interesting reliever to look out for in 2024.

Left-hander Carlos Pena and right-hander Wilkel Hernandez finished first and second, respectively, in ERA in the Midwest League this season. Both pitchers are known for their strike-throwing ability, with Hernandez occasionally delivering fastballs around 97 mph. Pena, 25, may seem older but has only a few seasons of professional experience. He is a type of lefty who relies on location, yet possesses the ability to miss bats with his offspeed pitches.

A tough decision

Among the players under consideration for the 40-man roster are right-hander Wilmer Flores and left-hander reliever Andrew Magno. Magno, who spent most of the season as the closer for Erie and also saw time at Triple-A Toledo, is known for his two types of breaking balls and a fastball that averages in the mid-90s. Following the claim of Tyler Alexander by Tampa, the Tigers face a dearth of left-handed pitchers in their system. Magno's unique pitching style makes him a potential key addition for a team seeking to strengthen its bullpen in 2024."

Wilmer Flores experienced a season of highs and lows with Erie in 2023. He was sidelined for a period due to a hamstring injury in August and also struggled with a decrease in velocity earlier in the year. Despite these challenges, Flores continued to develop a third pitch to complement his fastball and two types of sliders: one resembling a sweeper and another that functions as a short slider.

Flores only started in one game in the postseason after coming back from his injury, which was game one in the championship series against Binghamton, where he allowed three runs over four hits over two innings of work. He is still an intriguing enough prospect at 22 years old that could be added to the 40-man roster to help out Detroit next season or even be used to pick up a bat in a trade.

Position players

This seems pretty cut and dry as far as who the Tigers should keep on their 40-man roster. Among the players on the list that stand out are outfielder Roberto Campos, Trei Cruz and Dillon Dingler.

A few players who had solid seasons and made significant progress in the organization are Eliezer Alfonzo and Andrew Navigato. Alfonzo, who is likely to start the season on the 38-man roster as the team's starting catcher, quickly impressed Gabe Alvarez during their postseason run.

Prior to Navigato missing the rest of the season after suffering a grade four shoulder separation during a play against Bowie, he was having a solid season at the plate. He was hitting .280/.333/.505 with 11 home runs and 52 RBI.

Trei Cruz transitioned to centerfield at the start of the season and by its conclusion, emerged as the team's top outfield defender. While he remains capable of playing in the infield, his strong defense and range in the outfield were instrumental in Erie's postseason success.

Campos remains a work in progress, particularly regarding his defensive positioning and ability to hit offspeed pitches. In contrast, Dingler appears to be the most logical choice for inclusion on the Tigers' 40-man roster. According to the scouting report I prepared, Dingler exhibits considerable power when he connects, but this aspect of his game still lacks consistency.

Overall, he is the best defender in the system with his athletic ability and to call a good game. The SeaWolves rotation was noticeably better after he returned to injury. In order for him to get considered for a call-up, he would have to cut his strikeout rate and hit for consistency.

The Tigers' current catching depth at the higher levels includes Dingler and Alfonzo. Given this situation, it is likely that Detroit will take proactive measures. The team's direction will become clearer when a formal announcement is made.

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