For Detroit Tigers prospect fans, one of the newest and biggest days of the year is just around the corner. For the second year in a row, MLB is showcasing prospects for all 30 MLB clubs with their “Spring Breakout” game for each club. Last season, the Tigers played the Phillies and this year, Detroit is set to face the Atlanta Braves. The game will be on Sunday, March 16 at 4:05pm. You can watch the game on MLB.com, MLB.TV and MLB Network.
Here’s what the roster will look like:
Infielders:
2B/SS Kevin McGonigle (#2 on TMLR Top 46)
SS Bryce Rainer (#7 on TMLR Top 46)
1B/C Josue Briceno (#5 on TMLR Top 46)
2B/3B Hao-Yu Lee (#4 on TMLR Top 46)
INF Franyerber Montilla (#12 on TMLR Top 46)
2B Max Anderson (#33 on TMLR Top 46)
SS/3B Carson Rucker (#19 on TMLR Top 46)
1B Jake Holton (#39 on TMLR Top 46)
SS John Peck
The Detroit Tigers’ infield depth is as strong as it has been in years, led by prospects Kevin McGonigle and Hao-Yu Lee. Franyerber Montilla, who impressed in Lakeland during the playoffs, will be one to watch as he continues to develop. Carson Rucker is healthy and expected to see regular playing time this season.
This will be the first opportunity to see Briceno since his Triple Crown campaign in the AFL. He possesses one of the strongest power and hitting tools in the system.
Jake Holton, who is likely to start the season in Toledo, was having a strong Double-A campaign before a hand injury sidelined him for the remainder of the year. Max Anderson, who also spent time in Erie last season, looks to build on his development.
Outfielders
Max Clark (#3 on the TMLR Top 46 list)
Seth Stephenson
Nomar Fana
Roberto Campos (#13 on the TMLR Top 46 list)
Brett Callahan (#20 on the TMLR Top 46 list)Â
Even with Max Clark and Roberto Campos headlining this group, the Tigers’ outfield prospect depth above Double-A remains thin. However, both Callahan and Clark are expected to continue rising through the system this season.
Campos made strides defensively last year and has now transitioned to a corner outfield spot in right, which could aid his development. He continues to focus on elevating the ball more at the plate and is likely to begin the season in Erie.
Detroit’s top prospect and No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, Clark is an elite defender with plus speed and an advanced approach at the plate. His all-around skill set makes him a potential future cornerstone and marks his second appearance in the Breakout game.
Stephenson plays a good centerfield and lead the organization in stolen bases last season with 60.
Catchers:
Thayron Liranzo (#6 on the TMLR Top 46 list)
Liranzo has shown not only power but some wheels with a triple this spring. His arm has been a strength of his and has continued to work with Brayan Pena, the Tigers’ catching coordinator, on improving his receiving game. Jimenez is among our sleepers and favorites with a solid debut in the Complex League last season. He doesn’t turn 20 until November.
Pitchers:
RHP Jaden Hamm (#10 on the TMLR Top 46)
RHP Troy Melton (#9 on the TMLR Top 46)
RHP RJ Petit
RHP CJ Weins
RHP Josh Randall (#32 on the TMLR Top 46)
RHP Michael Massey (#31 on the TMLR Top 46)
RHP Joseph Montalvo (#16 on the TMLR Top 46)
RHP Tyler Owens (#30 on the TMLR Top 46)
RHP Max Alba (#43 on the TMLR Top 46)
LHP Jake Miller (#23 on the TMLR Top 46)
LHP Micah Ashman
I was surprised not to see Gabriel Reyes, Rayner Castillo, or Garrett Burhenn on the Detroit Tiges roster, but the pitchers who did make the list certainly stand out.
Hamm, our TMLR Pitcher of the Year in 2024, has a starter’s profile with a four-pitch mix and strong strike-throwing ability. His fastball sits in the low-to-mid 90s, and he pairs it with a sharp slider and a developing changeup.
A hard-throwing righty with a sinking fastball that generates weak contact, Melton has the tools to stick as a starter. Injuries slowed him down last season, but when healthy, his combination of velocity and movement makes him one of the most intriguing arms in the system. Standing at 6-foot-8, Petit is an imposing presence on the mound with a heavy fastball and a power slider. His ability to generate downhill plane makes him a tough at-bat, and he has the potential to develop into a reliable bullpen arm.
CJ Weins
Weins has a power fastball and a sweeping slider that makes him a difficult matchup for right-handed hitters. His ability to miss bats gives him upside as a potential high-leverage reliever in the future.
Josh RandallÂ
A relief/starter prospect with a strong fastball-slider combination, Randall has the potential to move quickly through the system. His ability to generate strikeouts will be key to his success as he progresses.
Michael Massey
Massey like Josh Randall, were drafted in the 2024 MLB Draft, but this will mark Massey’s pro debut. He did not play after he was drafted after having surgery.
Joseph MontalvoÂ
Montalvo continues to impress with his ability to command multiple pitches and keep hitters off balance. While he doesn’t have overpowering velocity, his pitchability and mound presence make him a solid starting pitching prospect.
Tyler Owens
Owens has shown a lively fastball and has stood out in his appearances this spring.
Max Alba
Alba features a solid fastball-curveball mix with an ability to generate soft contact. His path likely leads to the bullpen, but with continued refinement, he could provide valuable innings in a variety of roles.
Jake MillerÂ
Miller’s deceptive delivery and ability to mix pitches make him an intriguing left-handed option. If he can improve his command, he has a chance to carve out a role as a lefty specialist or a swingman.
Micah Ashman
A big-bodied lefty with a fastball that plays up due to his extension, Ashman has the potential to develop into an effective reliever. His secondary pitches are still a work in progress, but his raw stuff makes him a name to watch.
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Joe Rampe