Detroit Free Press

[Tigers GM (Peter)]

[Tigers GM (Peter)]

State of the Franchise: March 2022

As is true with most teams in Franchise Mode, the 2022 Detroit Tigers look a hell of a lot different than the team that was selected in November 2020. That team largely saw an exodus at the Major League level, with pitchers Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal and Matt Manning being the only plays who were left untouched. Isaac Paredes has made a triumphant return to the Motorcity after being dealt to, and reacquired from, the New York Mets. While the franchise remains barren for MLB regulars, the last 16 months have proven valuable in building the foundations of a competitive team by 2025. Below we'll break down future projected rosters, the 2022 off-season, and players to watch in the farm system. 

2025 Projected Roster
C - Dillon Dingler (26)
CI - Spencer Torkelson (25)
CI - Brett Baty (25)
MI - Carlos Correa (30)
MI - Kahlil Watson (21)
OF - Riley Greene (24)
OF - Andrew Benintendi (30)
OF - Austin Wells (25)
DH - Zack Gelof (25)

SP - Casey Mize (27)
SP - Tarik Skubal (28)
SP - Matt Manning (27)
SP - Brandon Williamson (26)
SP - Michael McGreevy (24)
CL - Tony Santillan (27)

2022 Draft
1.05 - Kahlil Watson (SS)
1.07 - Brady House (SS)
1.22 - Connor Norby (2B)
1.23 - Zack Gelof (3B)
1.29 - Michael McGreevy (SP)
2.05 - Jordan Wicks (SP)
2.35 - Cooper Kinney (2B/3B)

Detroit entered the offseason holding 7 picks in the top-35, not accounting for competitive balance picks that were accrued during free agency. It was clear this had the potential to be a pivotal draft for the Tigers, and the results did not disappoint. Shortly after the offseason opened, the Tigers reached an agreement with the Colorado Rockies, acquiring pitcher Brandon Williamson in exchange for the 24th overall pick. "It was a good move for both sides, and Colorado ended up using it as capital in another trade." said GM Peter Gregory, "Williamson had arguably the best fastball in minors this season with a 37% whiff rate and massive vertical break. Coming from the left off a 6'6 frame, the pitch is an absolute weapon. Add a plus-plus curveball, and we're excited for what he can bring to our staff."

Draft Day Soundbites

Kahlil Watson: "We know many teams who had Watson ranked as the 2nd best player in the draft, so for him to fall to 5 was a pleasant surprise. He stands out on both sides of the ball, and has all the makings of a true five-tool talent. Ideally he'll progress enough defensively to handle shortstop in the majors, but a move to centerfield isn't out of the question."

Brady House: "Getting more eyes on Brady at Complex ball was immensely helpful in making this pick. The kid is an absolute freak of an athlete, and showed real maturity and discipline as he made his pro debut. He's got some of the best offensive upside in this years class with true middle-of-the-order potential."

Connor Norby: "Connor represented more of a high-floor selection for us after taking two prep bats. Strong plate discipline and pitch recognition, proven ability to hit all types of pitches with no real holes in his swing. He isn't the most physically imposing or toolsy guy, but he does all the right things and should be a quick riser to the Majors." 

Zack Gelof: "Zack picked up a ton of helium through the summer and fall, even getting a quick stint at AAA to finish the season. He's got a mature bat and approach, and tons of athleticism, so it should just be a question of where his home is defensively. There may be some dual-eligibility potential here as a CI/OF, which would be hugely beneficial to our roster flexibility."

Michael McGreevy: "We were pleasantly surprised often in this draft, but Michael McGreevy at 29 was a true shocker. Solid 4-pitch mix, plus curveball, and a frame that is primed to add strength and velocity. Mike is best known for his elite control of the strike zone, with scouts saying he has better command than fellow UCSB alum Shane Bieber had at the same age. If he can be half as effective, we're thrilled with the pick." 

Jordan Wicks: "Jordan is another guy we believe will move pretty quickly in his journey to the majors. We're profiling 4 above average pitches and elite strike throwing ability; the changeup is probably the best in this years class. He's a very competitive guy, high-floor profile, and should slot in nicely to our competitive window."

Cooper Kinney: "As Cooper kept sliding, we knew we had to make a move to get back into the draft. It's a bat-first profile, and frankly bat-second and bat-third too. The tools are there to be an above average hitter from the left side and could do some real damage if he finds a home defensively. It's likely a longer path to the majors, but one that could pay off handsomely in 5-6 years." 

Free Agency + Trading

The Tigers were not shy about making their intentions well-known this offseason. Free Agency started with a bang, as the Tigers placed matching offers on the table for star shortstops Carlos Correa and Corey Seager. "Calling us a punching bag in 2021 would have been a compliment. We got the piss kicked out of us week after week, and it can wear on guys." said Gregory, "Being aggressive in the market not only shows our players we believe in the group we have here, but it shows the league we're ready to be taken seriously. You can't access guys like Correa and Seager when you're in the win-now window - the trades either don't exist, or they cost you an arm and a leg. You have to accumulate on the way up as players become available, plain and simple."

Ultimately the Tigers only secured Correa, as Seager's contract was matched by the Cincinnati Reds. "We spoke to their management, and completely understand them matching. It was a calculated term sheet from our end, and ultimately a risk they felt they had to take. We wish Corey and the Reds the best of luck!" 

The Tigers were otherwise quiet in free agency bidding, but were able to make strategic moves in other streams. The team acquired outfielder Andrew Benintendi via trade with the Boston Red Sox, infielders Royce Lewis and Maximo Acosta by way of the Minnesota Twins, and later claimed designated hitter Marcell Ozuna off waivers from the San Francisco Giants.

Benintendi carries some risk as a player on an expiring contract, but Gregory cited optimism that an extension will get done this season. The Tigers are confident they've acquired a young, productive outfielder for a fraction of the market-value he'd demand next off-season. 

Ozuna on the other hand, carries significant risk to the club, its front-office, and its locker room. Ozuna missed most of last season after suffering two broken fingers, and later being arrested for aggravated assault. He has since cleared those charges, entered a rehabilitation program, and served a retroactive league suspension. The league has also added universal DH, which bolsters Ozuna's chances at sticking in the majors in 2022. While his numbers in 2021 don't show it, he did show shades of the MVP Finalist show he put on in 2020. Only time will tell if he can be a productive member of the Tigers this season, but fortune favours the bold (and those with cap space!). 

Lewis and Acosta both have important growth years ahead of them, for different reasons. Lewis missed the entire season with a torn ACL; despite winning MVP at the Fall League in 2019, and strong reports from the alt site in 2020, he's two years removed from pro ball and lots to prove. Acosta, a top J2 signing from 2019, had an up-and-down year in the Complex league before ultimately succumbing to shoulder surgery and missing the remainder of the season. Acosta has a well rounded profile and strong defensive abilities, so a major bounce-back campaign isn't out of the question. That said, TOS surgeries often take longer to recover from even once the player is back on the field, so it may be 2-3 years before the Tigers truly know what they have in Acosta. He'll be healthy for Spring Training 2022. 

Tigers Farm System

Best Hitter for Average: Riley Greene
Best Hitter for Power: Spencer Torkelson
Best Strike-Zone Discipline: César Prieto
Fastest Baserunner: Kahlil Watson
Best Athlete: Brady House
Best Fastball: Brandon Williamson
Best Curveball: Michael McGreevy
Best Changeup: Jordan Wicks
Best Slider: Roansy Contreras
Best Control: Michael McGreevy
Best Defensive Catcher: Dillon Dingler
Best Defensive Infielder: Gage Workman
Best Infield Arm: Ryan Kreidler
Best Defensive Outfielder: Riley Greene
Best Outfield Arm: Andy Pages

2022 Sleeper Prospects to Watch:

Infield: Cristian Santana (18, SS)
Outfield: Alexander Ramirez (19, OF)
Pitcher: Kyle Brnovich (24, SP)