As we head into the off-season, we will bring back our best Detroit Tigers Tools Series and breakdown individual season performances, but for now, let’s look across the system for an overview of the players who have taken steps forward in 2023 on the hitting side as we start behind the plate.
Check out Detroit Tigers pitching prospects overview 2023
Toledo and Erie
Overall, the Toledo Mud Hens relied mostly on a veteran catching crew for much of the season until Dillon Dingler was called up in mid-August. However, Dingler’s performance in Toledo didn’t instill much confidence regarding the Detroit Tigers’ depth chart. He posted a batting line of .202/.266/.384, with a strikeout rate of 31.2% and a walk rate of 7.3%. His weighted runs created plus (wRC+) was 51. However, his average exit velocity was above the International League average at 87.5%.
While Dingler is considered one of the system’s top defensive catchers, it rumored his inconsistencies at the plate to be why Detroit was seeking a catcher at the trade deadline.
Donnie Sands, acquired by Detroit in the offseason along with Nick Maton and Matt Vierling in the Gregory Soto trade, also struggled at the plate. He posted a slash line of .230/.318/.360 and recorded an isolated power (ISO) of just .130.
West Michigan, Lakeland, Florida Complex League, DSL
Meanwhile, Eliezer Alfonzo raised his profile this season. Eligible for the Rule 5 draft this winter, Alfonzo made an impressive Double-A debut in just six games, including starts in all four postseason games for Erie. He delivered several clutch hits against Richmond and Binghamton, impressing manager Gabe Alvarez with his game-calling skills.
Gabe Alvarez on the performance of Eliezer Alfonzo, who has just five games at the Double-A level and had a great series
— Tigers ML Report (@tigersMLreport) September 27, 2023
Josh Crouch, who began the season in Erie, struggled after his demotion to West Michigan, posting a slash line of .250/.329/.331. Although early numbers for Josue Briceno are encouraging following his promotion to Lakeland, it’s uncertain whether he will remain a catcher in the long term. If Briceno continues to perform well against advanced pitching, the Tigers might have a prospect worth watching, but it’s too early to make a definitive judgment.
Overview:
I expect the Detroit Tigers to address their catching depth this off-season. While Dillon Dingler offers plenty of talent, his high strikeout rate could jeopardize his chances of landing a major league role. His pitch selection remains a concern at times, despite his strong skills as a teammate and his ability to effectively manage a pitching staff. The impact of his return to Erie was significant.
Names to look out for in 2024:
Monday: First Baseman
Tuesday: Second baseman/shortstop
Wednesday: Third baseman
Thursday: Centerfield
Friday: Left field
Saturday: Right field
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Emily Waldon 
Chris Brown
Easily the biggest long-term concern for Harris and Co. With both Dingler and Crouch regressing, the Tigers need serious help. I can’t remember an era in which so few major league catchers are able to hit close to league OPS+, but that’s no excuse for the Tigers to not be actively searching for depth.