Detroit Tigers add depth in Carson Kelly trade

Dingler ranks second in batting average in the International League, trailing only Omaha’s CJ Alexander, with a .308 mark. What’s notable about Dingler’s performance this season is his ability to hit for both average and power, tallying 17 home runs. Additionally, he has made significant improvements in reducing his strikeout rate and increasing his walk rate.

Last season, between Erie and Toledo, Dingler had strikeout rates of 28% and 31%, respectively, and posted just a 56 wRC+ in 109 plate appearances at Toledo. This season, he has reduced his strikeout rate to 20% while walking at a 10% clip, achieving a 137 wRC+.

Another standout aspect of Dingler’s game is his increased line drive rate, now at 27%, while reducing his ground ball rate from 46% to 31%. Instead of games in which there were at-bats that were over quick with swings outside the zone, Dingler has been able to drive the ball.

Dillon Dingler with a well-deserved day off today. Dingler’s last 5 games:
10-for-19, 5HR, 2 2B, 7R, 10RBI, 5BB/3K pic.twitter.com/5wGn203eTC

— Tigers ML Report (@tigersMLreport) July 28, 2024

What to expect from Tyler Owens and Liam Hicks.

From what Evan Petzold of Freep.com has reported, Tyler Owens was the main target of the trade. A native of Ocala, Florida, Owens was originally drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 13th round back in 2019. He was traded to Texas in January for center fielder J.P. Martinez.

Owens throws a fastball that sits at 95-97, based on velocity readings Chris Brown picked up from an appearance against San Antonio earlier this season. He throws a cutter, (87-89) and looks like he added a splitter, which based on his delivery, makes it a hard pitch to pick up on.

Here’s the most recent outing from new Tigers pitching prospect Tyler Owens. pic.twitter.com/MtHmIKQlCE

— Tigers ML Report (@tigersMLreport) July 29, 2024

Upon further review, this pitch on the right appears to be a cutter with some good fade action to it.

This was during Tyler Owens first save back on June 6. Fastball shows some late life, spots it here on the corner then goes high for the final out. pic.twitter.com/9uzF58Pose

— Rogelio Castillo (@rogcastbaseball) July 29, 2024

Overall, the splitter is still a work in progress that will more than likely continue to be worked on.

Liam Hicks, a left-handed hitting catcher, was drafted by the Rangers in the ninth round in 2021. While Hicks does not hit for power, he has demonstrated an ability to barrel up the ball for contact. During the 2023 Arizona Fall League, he had an impressive game, going 6-for-6, which was just the second time that has happened over the last 13 years.

A concern noted in his scouting report when he was drafted was his arm behind the plate, which was seen as a point of weakness. Nevertheless, Hicks is expected to add some much-needed depth to the Tigers’ system.

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