Physical Description
Micah Ashman is a 6-foot-7, 195-pound left-handed pitcher, born on August 22, 2002, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He possesses a tall, lean frame with room to add strength, which could enhance his durability and pitch velocity as he matures. Ashman was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 11th round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of the University of Utah. ​
Fastball – 50
Ashman’s fastball sits in the low 90s, typically ranging from 90-92 mph. While not overpowering, his height allows him to deliver the pitch from a steep downhill angle, creating deception and making it challenging for hitters to square up. ​
Slider – 55
His slider is his most effective secondary offering, displaying sharp, late-breaking action that induces swings and misses. Thrown in the low 80s, it serves as a reliable out pitch against both left-handed and right-handed hitters.​
Changeup – 40
Ashman has shown some feel for a changeup, though it remains a developing pitch. Improving its consistency and deception will be crucial for his ability to neutralize right-handed batters.​
Control – 50
One of Ashman’s standout attributes is his exceptional control. During the 2024 season at Utah, he walked only three batters over 26.1 innings, demonstrating his ability to pound the strike zone effectively.Â
Overall Outlook
Ashman served as Utah’s primary closer in 2024, recording 11 saves—the second-most in a single season in program history—and holding a 3.36 ERA over his collegiate career. That transition has gone smoothly into professional baseball so far, making a notable impact as a reliever for the Lakeland.
In his pro debut on August 25, 2024, he struck out the side in a scoreless inning, showcasing his poise and effectiveness. His ability to handle high-leverage situations was further demonstrated during the Florida State League championship series, where he secured a save in Game 1, preserving a 7-6 victory for Lakeland. Given his collegiate experience as a closer and his early success in the minors, Ashman is projected to continue developing in late-inning relief roles, with the potential to advance rapidly through the Tigers’ system.​
Chris Brown