Who should the Detroit Tigers protect from the Rule 5 draft?
![Erie SeaWolves pitcher Wilmer Flores (36) throws a pitch against the Harrisburg Senators, on May 31,](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3400,h_1912,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_752,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/66/01hf4rty7bjw2nwzpvxh.jpg)
The Detroit Tigers have until 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, to set their 40-man roster. They have already been proactive, adding right-handed pitcher Keider Montero and re-signing catcher Carson Kelly. However, the team must now decide on players in the minor leagues who could be selected in the Rule 5 draft, scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 6, in Nashville.
Montero was a no-brainer, as he led the system in strikeouts (160 in 127.1IP) over three levels in 2023. Similar to Sawyer Gipson-Long and others in the Tigers system, he too benefitted working on several new grips that were effective to go along with a curveball that spins over 3,000.
While MLB Pipeline listed only four players who could be drafted based on their rankings among prospects, we will explore several intriguing names in the system who are also eligible. It's worth noting how recently, players becoming minor league free agents have garnered attention from multiple clubs. In contrast to previous years, when only a few might be picked up for minor league roster spots, left-hander Jack O'Loughlin, promoted from High-A West Michigan to Triple-A Toledo in 2023, signed with the Oakland Athletics with an invitation to spring training.
The progress of several players like Reese Olson, Gipson-Long and Jackson Jobe will garner some sort of attention and with some of the arms that are in the system now, it could be the case where a name could be stashed away in the bullpen. Let's start with the relief pitchers who are Rule 5 eligible.
Pitchers
![Whitecaps Andrew Magno throws a pitch Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at LMCU Ballpark.
Whitecaps Season](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/w_480/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/66/01hf4rydnysk6a0ppds4.jpg)
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.
Here are all the pitchers who are eligible for the Rule 5 draft in the #Tigers system. pic.twitter.com/g79iQypE1b
— Tigers ML Report (@tigersMLreport) November 13, 2023
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."
Lefty Andrew Magno, called up from West Michigan to Toledo today, came in and was the first pitcher to retire the Storm Chasers down in order tonight by striking out the side. 11 pitches, 10 for strikes. pic.twitter.com/39ugRmylwA
— Tigers ML Report (@tigersMLreport) April 8, 2023
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.
Wilmer Flores threw 2 scoreless innings on his rehab appearance for the Whitecaps tonight. Threw 28 pitches, 19 for strikes, with 4 whiffs. Fastball sat 93-94 and touched 96. pic.twitter.com/XN5hm093Q0
— Tigers ML Report (@tigersMLreport) August 30, 2023
Position players
![Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler doubles against Philadelphia Phillies reliever Tyler Cyr](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/w_480/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/66/01hf4t38vbcp2t6zxq9v.jpg)
Here are the catchers, infielders and outfielders that are eligible for the Rule 5 in the #Tigers system. pic.twitter.com/G7MXUKCbFe
— Tigers ML Report (@tigersMLreport) November 13, 2023
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.
Gabe Alvarez on the performance of Eliezer Alfonzo, who has just five games at the Double-A level and had a great series pic.twitter.com/kbUIlwfahP
— Tigers ML Report (@tigersMLreport) September 27, 2023
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.
Make it 2-0 Erie after this Andrew Navigato blast to deep left center. pic.twitter.com/54wA4bh2Jg
— Tigers ML Report (@tigersMLreport) July 25, 2023
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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