Embed from Getty Images The Detroit Tigers farm system is loaded with great pitching prospects. Having drafted a pitcher with their first round draft pick nearly every year. The rebuilding Tigers need a big bat. That could happen this Summer.
7 out of the top 10 draft prospects are position players. That is good news for the Detroit Tigers who have some “nice” bats in their system. The 2019 MLB draft is where Detroit needs to add a big solid bat. There is no shortage of big bats in a very deep draft.
At the top of my personal list is Andrew Vaughn, 1b California University. Vaughn meets the Tigers biggest need for a young first baseman. Vaughn projects as a future all-star at the major league level.
3b Josh Jung from Texas Tech is a big bat solid glove player that could be a great addition as well. There is a drawback of sorts the Tigers already have Jeimer Candelario at 3b who projects as an above average player at the hot corner.
There are other players in a draft that has some of the best talent in the past 5 years. In order to keep the fan base happy as the team continues to develop talent then they must show that they can add a big bat. A bat that grades out at 50 contact and 50 power.
Another big pitching arm would irritate fans and cause some to wonder if the team has a true direction for the rebuild. While it is true teams win with pitching. That is not a problem in Detroit. Not when there is a glaring need for quality bats.
Needless to say I believe general manager Al Avila and owner Christopher Ilitch know this. That pitching will only take you so far. runs must be scored in order for pitching to shine.
So as Spring training opens soon. The Tigers front office will gather and collect information like every team. As players begin workouts the hope is the eyes of the front office will see the glaring need and understand they can fill it.
Couldn’t agree more. Tigers need a big thumper.