The first ever Spring Breakout game is in the books, with several Detroit Tigers players already established and a few poised to break out in 2024. Here’s my four observations on what stood out among the prospects that even include outside of the Spring Breakout.
1. Jace Jung and Eddys Leonard had loud Saturdays.
Jung hit two home runs yesterday, both to right field, in an impressive display of power. The first one was off right-hander Mick Abel, who is ranked number 49 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100. Able was throwing 95-96 with movement, and Jung was able to square one up on Abel.
Make it 3 hits and 4 RBIs for Eddys Leonard after this single to right center. pic.twitter.com/Np2OCNLxLC
— Chris Brown (@ChrisBrown0914) March 16, 2024
One of the most common questions we get at the Tigers Minor League Report is how does Jung look at third base. He fielded the ball cleanly yesterday on his only opportunity against the speedy Justin Crawford but threw wild to first. But overall, splitting time between second and third this spring, he has shown good range and a good arm to field his position.
Jung will start the season in Toledo and get plenty of reps, more than likely at third. Someone who could see time at second base will be infielder Eddys Leonard, who continues to have a hot spring, going 3-for-4 with a home run and driving in four in the Tigers 6-4 win over the Pirates. Two of his hits were barrels. (107.5 and 106.5). Despite not playing in the showcase, it’s worth noting Leonard leads the Tigers in OPS so far this spring.
2. Wilmer Flores is now the Tigers best reliever prospect.
With the news that Tyler Mattison (2023 Tigers Minor League Report Reliever of the Year)Â out for the season after going UCL reconstruction surgery, the question is who is the Tigers best pure relief prospect? The answer seems to be Wilmer Flores. He has been pitching exclusive out of the bullpen all spring, with his velocity returning on his fastball, hitting 98-99 all spring and had the highest velocity during the game on Saturday.
On Saturday, Flores gave Tigers fans a sneak peek of what a potential 9th inning could look like, showing a nice curve to get the final out.
Wilmer Flores works around a 2-out walk to close out the win for the Tigers. And @ThatDanHasty and @SamDykstraMiLB with a great job on the broadcast all game. pic.twitter.com/zfOO7lHsui
— Tigers ML Report (@tigersMLreport) March 16, 2024
During Saturday’s game, Flores elicited two swings and misses with his curveball, a sign of progress. While his fastball has consistently missed bats this spring, improving control of his curveball and slider remains a priority. Once he achieves this, his fastball, which has returned to its 2022 form, will establish him as having the best arsenal among relievers in the system.
3. Troy Melton makes his first appearance since September 2023
Melton, who gained prominence in prospect circles in 2023, made his first appearance since being shut down in early September and showed no signs of rust. He averaged 96-97 mph on his fastball and utilized all four of his pitches, including a changeup, curveball, and slider. During the broadcast, Sam Dysteka of MLB.com noted that Melton is focusing on using his curveball more in starts.
Troy Melton gives up a couple of hard hit balls but ultimately works a 1-2-3 inning. @ThatDanHasty and @SamDykstraMiLB on the mics. pic.twitter.com/pJGoXeAxaK
— Tigers ML Report (@tigersMLreport) March 16, 2024
Melton’s journey to the majors remains uncertain. From my observations, there is a slight risk of him of being a reliever. He has tremendous upside, just hoping to see more swings and misses from his secondaries. There is a good chance that Tigers fans could see him starting the season in Erie.
4. Josue Briceno hits everything hard
Briceno made some headlines yesterday, having the second-hardest hit ball among statcast games, smoking a double into the right corner at 111.7MPH.
Josue Briceno had the second hardest hit ball today among statcast games, registering a 111.7 mph EV. He is just 19 years old. The Tigers C/1B prospect is gonna be a fun one to follow this year. https://t.co/0zGOisRZIB
— Chris Clegg (@RotoClegg) March 17, 2024
He earned a reward by making an appearance against Baltimore on Sunday, hitting a single to the right at 97.4 MPH. Briceno was one of the main catalysts for Lakeland’s run to the postseason in 2023. Ryan Garko, the Vice President of Baseball Personal for the Tigers believes his future is behind the plate but Briceno may see time at first base.
Other observations:
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- Don’t run on Dillon Dingler. He gunned down two Phillies trying to steal second and nearly had a backpick at first base. The defense is there, now just need the bat to be more consistent.
- Max Clark walked and showed his wheels off on a stolen base
Max Clark has wheels. 29.1 ft/sec on this steal. pic.twitter.com/P4RfiuMJGL
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) March 16, 2024
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- Brant Hurter was the game’s starter, went three innings, allowed one run on three hits and struck out four. The rest of the Detroit’s prospects, Madden, Wolf, Melton and Flores, combined for six innings of 2-hit relief, striking out four and walking three.
- Josh Crouch, who seems to be the forgotten catcher prospect, in his only plate appearance of the game, smoked a double to center to drive in two.
Max Clark has wheels. 29.1 ft/sec on this steal. pic.twitter.com/P4RfiuMJGL
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) March 16, 2024
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Chris Brown