As we inch closer to the 2025 season, it’s time to take a first look at how the Lakeland Flying Tigers roster might shape up on Opening Day. While projections at this stage come with plenty of uncertainty—injuries, offseason moves, and player development can shift things quickly—there’s still plenty to analyze when it comes to Detroit’s Single-A affiliate.
Lakeland has been a crucial stepping stone for some of the Tigers’ top prospects over the years, and this year’s squad should feature a mix of high-upside young talent, recent draft picks, and returning players looking to make a jump. In this Roster Projection 1.0, we’ll break down each position group, highlight potential breakout candidates, and discuss the biggest questions surrounding the team as we head into Spring Training.
Do we have all the answers? No. But we’ll point out what’s working, what isn’t, and what fans should be watching for as the Flying Tigers take shape, as the final rosters will not be announced until late March.
Let’s dive in.
Pitchers:
RHP Michael Massey
LHP Paul Wilson
RHP Duque Hebbert
LHP Blake Dickerson
RHP Jatnk Diaz
RHP Pedro Garcia
RHP Eddy Felix
LHP Ethan Sloan
RHP Diego Palmero
RHP Owen Hall
LHP Micah Ashman
RHP Johnathan Rogers
Paul Wilson struggled with walks after a late start in Complex Ball due to injury, but reports indicate that his control and velocity have been consistent this offseason—a positive sign for the Tigers. Drafted in the third round of the 2023 MLB Draft, there was an expectation that he would make an immediate impact. However, his command was inconsistent, and he lacked the ability to snap off the sharp curveball he had relied on in high school.
Wilson, along with Jatnk Diaz, who was selected in the eighth round of the 2023 draft, represents the Tigers’ continued trend of drafting high-upside high school arms with the intent of developing them based on scouting evaluations. If both can refine their command and secondary offerings, they could become key pieces in Detroit’s pitching pipeline.
Another arm to watch who could move beyond Complex Ball quickly is Owen Hall, the Tigers’ second-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. Hall raised some eyebrows this offseason with an uptick in velocity, and despite his age, he has the potential to be utilized in a controlled, developmental role. The Tigers could opt to use him in a three-inning stint or on a strict pitch count to manage his workload.
Last season, across all levels of the system, the Tigers closely monitored their pitchers, typically limiting them to three innings or 50–60 pitches per outing. Additionally, if a pitcher threw 30+ pitches in a single inning, they were pulled. Given that approach, Hall could serve as a piggyback option behind a starter like Blake Dickerson or Pedro Garcia, allowing him to build up his arm strength while refining specific pitches the Tigers want him to develop.
Michael Massey, the Tigers’ 10th-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft out of Wake Forest, presents an intriguing starter-reliever flexibility that could shape his development path. At Wake Forest, Massey showcased a fastball that sits in the mid-90s, complemented by a slider and changeup that give him a well-rounded arsenal. While he worked primarily as a starter in college, his experience out of the bullpen suggests he could transition into a multi-inning relief role if needed.
The Tigers have shown a willingness to experiment with hybrid roles, and given Massey’s track record of throwing strikes and missing bats, he could be a candidate to either develop as a starter or become a high-leverage reliever depending on how his stuff plays in pro ball. His versatility makes him an arm to watch as the Tigers refine their pitching strategy throughout the system.
Infielders
Woody Hadeen
Franyerber Montilla
Jack Penney
David Smith
Samuel Gil
Carson Rucker
Bryce Rainer
Franyerber Montilla: Ranked 12th, on our list, Montilla is a 19-year-old switch-hitter from the Dominican Republic, recognized for his defensive prowess and potential to remain at shortstop in the majors. Offensively, he exhibits a disciplined approach with emerging power and speed, though he faced challenges adjusting to advanced pitching after his promotion to Lakeland. Continued development in plate mechanics and strength could enhance his offensive contributions. As Brandon Day of Bless You Boys.com said, he is far from a sure thing, but he was exciting to watch during the Flying Tigers run in the postseason in 2024.
Bryce Rainer: Holding the 7th spot, Rainer is a versatile infielder selected in the first round (11th overall) of the 2024 MLB Draft. He possesses a strong arm and solid defensive skills, allowing him to play multiple infield positions. At the plate, Rainer demonstrates a balanced swing with potential for both average and power, making him a well-rounded prospect in the Tigers’ system. He could be at 3rd long term but for now, he could start the season at short.
Carson Rucker: Ranked 19th, Rucker was drafted in the fourth round (107th overall) of the 2023 MLB Draft. Known for his strong work ethic and leadership qualities, he offers reliability with a solid glove and arm strength as he pitched in high school. Offensively, Rucker has shown the ability to make consistent contact, with potential to develop more power as he matures. His dedication to improvement makes him a prospect to watch.
Jack Penney: An infielder with a good baseball IQ, Penney excels in situational hitting and defensive positioning. His versatility allows him to cover multiple infield spots effectively.
David Smith: Known for his speed and agility, Smith brings a dynamic presence to the infield. His quick reflexes and range make him a defensive asset, particularly in up-the-middle positions. Offensively, Smith’s contact-oriented approach and base-stealing capability add a strategic element to his game but could be more viewed as a utility player.
Samuel Gil: A prospect with a strong defensive foundation, Gil is noted for his smooth fielding mechanics and accurate arm. At the plate, he is working on developing consistency and power. With focused development, Gil has the potential to become a reliable contributor on both sides of the ball.
Woody Hadeen: Hadeen is an infielder recognized for his hustle and determination. Defensively, he provides dependable coverage with a strong understanding of game situations. Offensively, Hadeen is focused on improving his on-base skills and situational hitting to enhance his role within the lineup. He is one of the players who may end up being an organizational guy but does fit the motif of controlling the strike zone.
Catchers:
Enrique Jimenez
Enderson Delgado (acquired in the Alex Faedo trade)
Ricardo Hurtado
Sergio Tapia
Given the depth at the catching position, it’s unlikely that the Lakeland will carry all four catchers. To maximize playing time and development, Enrique Jimenez may see action at first base, especially following the acquisition of Enderson Delgado. This approach aligns with the Tigers’ recent trend of developing versatile, switch-hitting catchers, as seen with prospects like Thayron Liranzo and Eliezer Alfonzo.
Both Delgado and Jimenez profile more as defensive first catchers that still need to develop their skills at the plate but show good eyes at the plate, which could be a result of the level they are playing at, as those numbers can’t paint a complete picture.
Outfielders:
Nomar Fana
Zach MacDonald
Jackson Strong
Edgar Lugo
Jose De La Cruz
De La Cruz is the veteran of this outfield group, having signed with the Tigers back in 2018. If he returns to Lakeland, it would mark his fifth season at the level, a rare occurrence for a prospect. Now 23 years old, he’s at the age where he should ideally start the season in West Michigan, but his high strikeout rate (over 30%) continues to hold him back.
Despite the swing-and-miss concerns, his raw power remains undeniable, as he’s capable of launching towering home runs that few in the system can match. That tantalizing power potential is what continues to keep him in the Tigers’ plans, even as he works to refine his approach at the plate.
Zach MacDonald:Â An undrafted free agent signing, from Portage, and playing at nearby Miami of Ohio, MacDonald has quickly made his presence felt. He recorded his first professional hit with a three-run triple but will need to cut his strikeout rate to stick around.
Jackson Strong:Â Selected in the seventh round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Canisius University, Strong is recognized for his blend of speed and power. He has demonstrated decent plate discipline and a raw power tool. We already highlighted in our sleepers and favorites article that he has already worked on his swing in the off-season, so hopefully there is more to come with these swing changes.
What to do with Cristian Santana?
Cristian Santana, once a top-five prospect in the Detroit Tigers’ system, has experienced a notable decline in his rankings on our list, dropping to 23rd as of August 2023 and since then, he has not made our list at all. It wasnt too long ago that we thought he would be promoted with Roberto Campos at the same time when he went to West Michigan.
This shift is attributed to his offensive struggles and defensive challenges on the left side of the infield. In 2022, Santana showcased versatility by playing 35 games at third base, 33 at shortstop, and 24 at second base. However, concerns about his arm strength have led to discussions about his optimal defensive position. He has been placed on the development list a few times in 2024, which has suggested one step closer to not having a job within the organization anymore.
While there hasn’t been a specific mention of moving Santana to the outfield, his defensive versatility and ongoing adjustments suggest that a position change could be considered to maximize his potential and address the crowded infield situation in the Tigers’ minor league system.
Jerry McKennan 
Chris Brown