The Detroit Tigers went on a run in early July, and it continued briefly past the All-Star break. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for the harsh reality of this team not being contenders for a playoff spot to deliver a gut punch in the Motor City. A depleted starting rotation, on-and-off bullpen, and injuries impacting the lineup pretty much derailed the Tigers’ short-lived hope to be playing meaningful October baseball.
Detroit had to say goodbye to four players before the deadline on Tuesday. Carson Kelly was traded to the Texas Rangers to open up a spot for Dillon Dingler to make his MLB debut. Relief pitcher Andrew Chafin was also sent to the Lonestar state to pitch for the defending World Series champions. Mark Canha was traded to the San Francisco Giants straight up for relief pitching prospect Eric Silva. The big trade involving veteran RHP Jack Flaherty, which was completed moments before the deadline, sent C/1B Thayron Liranzo (now ranked as a top-five prospect in the Tigers organization by MLB.Com), and SS Trey Sweeney (now the 24th-ranked prospect in the Tigers’ organization by MLB.Com) to Detroit.
These moves indicate the Tigers’ focus on building for the future, acquiring promising prospects in exchange for veteran players. While it means a tough end to the current season, the hope is that these new additions will contribute to a more competitive team in the coming years.
The Detroit Tigers went on a run in early July, which continued briefly past the All-Star break. Unfortunately, the harsh reality of not being playoff contenders quickly set in. A depleted starting rotation, inconsistent bullpen, and injuries to key players derailed the Tigers’ short-lived hope for October baseball.
Detroit made several trades before the deadline on Tuesday. Carson Kelly was traded to the Texas Rangers, paving the way for Dillon Dingler’s MLB debut. Relief pitcher Andrew Chafin also went to the Rangers, joining the defending World Series champions. Mark Canha was traded to the San Francisco Giants for relief pitching prospect Eric Silva. The major move involved veteran RHP Jack Flaherty, who was traded to Detroit along with C/1B Thayron Liranzo (now a top-five prospect in the Tigers’ organization) and SS Trey Sweeney (now the 24th-ranked prospect) in exchange for several players.
These moves reflect the Tigers’ shift toward building for the future. While the current season ends on a tough note, the hope is that these new prospects will help make the team more competitive in the coming years.
There are several prospects on the farm that are on the verge of being promoted, and four players will be profiled in this piece as they hope to be called up soon.
1B Spencer Torkelson
Spencer Torkelson hit a 441-foot home run for Toledo tonight.
Video: @MudHens pic.twitter.com/bg5uojTWK1
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) August 2, 2024
Although Spencer Torkelson no longer counts as a prospect, he’s clearly on track to return to the Tigers’ lineup. Entering Thursday’s game, Torkelson was hitting .321 with three home runs, 11 walks, and 13 strikeouts in his last eight games with Triple-A Toledo, posting a 1.214 OPS. Over his last 19 games, he had a .419 on-base percentage and an .875 OPS.
Consistency has been a challenge for Torkelson, but his powerful bat is hard to overlook. If he can find that consistency, he has the potential to be a standout major leaguer. Hitting 31 home runs in a season, as he did last year for Detroit, is no small feat.
Expect Torkelson to get another shot with the Tigers soon.
SS Trey Sweeney
Hello, Trey! pic.twitter.com/zKJuhVOzez
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 1, 2024
It seems the Zach McKinstry experiment in Detroit has hit a dead end. With McKinstry batting just .175 and sporting a .528 OPS, it’s clear that his performance hasn’t lived up to expectations. In contrast, Trey Sweeney, who plays shortstop and hits from the left side, has been showing strong numbers in the minors. Sweeney is slashing .255/.334/.427 with a .761 OPS, including 38 extra-base hits, 13 home runs, 62 RBIs, and 44 walks this season.
Given McKinstry’s struggles and limited upside, it would make sense to give Sweeney a chance. If McKinstry is designated for assignment, it would open up a spot for Sweeney to make his MLB debut and potentially bring a fresh perspective and productivity to the team.
3B/2B Jace Jung
Jace Jung hasn’t had issues with AAA pitching. Another HR pic.twitter.com/OPXioS5rLN
— Clay Snowden (@clay_snowden2) June 11, 2024
Former 1st round pick Jace Jung has mostly played for Triple-A Toledo this season, with just a few games on a rehab assignment with the Western Michigan White Caps. He’s slashing .258/.380/.483 with an .864 OPS, and has accumulated 37 extra-base hits, 15 home runs, 56 RBIs, and 61 walks.
Given the Tigers’ current situation and their focus on building for the future, it would make sense to promote Jung to the majors. He’s expected to be on the Opening Day roster in 2025, so getting him some MLB experience now could be beneficial. With the team not in playoff contention, giving Jung a chance to contribute and gain experience could be a valuable step forward for both him and the organization.
RHP Jackson Jobe
Jackson Jobe’s continued dominance in Double-A with the Erie SeaWolves is indeed impressive and somewhat surprising, given his standout performance. With an elite 1.52 ERA and 0.930 WHIP, and 58 strikeouts in 12 starts despite a brief injury setback, it’s clear that Jobe is ready for a higher challenge.
Given his potential and the fact that he’s projected to be on the Opening Day roster in 2025, it would make sense for the Tigers to promote Jobe to Triple-A Toledo soon. Facing tougher competition there would better prepare him for the major leagues, and his strong numbers suggest he’s more than capable of handling the jump.