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

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

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.