Detroit Tigers: 5 Breakout Candidates for 2016
Daniel Norris
Similar to Fulmer, Daniel Norris came to Detroit in 2015 when the decision to sell became blatantly obvious. In exchange for David Price, the Tigers received Daniel Norris, Matt Boyd, and Jairo Labourt.
In 2014, Norris was the Blue Jays top prospect, and rightfully so. Norris’ 2014 season in the minor leagues consisted of him winning 12 games and giving up an average of 2.53 runs per game.
Norris lived up to the hype in his first start with his new club in August against the Baltimore Orioles. Norris threw 7 1/3 innings of 1-run baseball, and ended up getting his first win in his Tigers debut.
As if fans were not already impressed enough, Norris launched his first career homer against the Chicago Cubs in his first career at-bat on August 19. Not to mention, Norris had also spent previous offseasons living in a sweet 1978 Volkswagen van.
Despite missing time with an oblique injury, the 22-year old gave Tiger fans something to look forward to in a dull and disappointing season.
Next: 5 Tigers Who Need to Bounce Back in 2016
A fastball living in the low-90’s and a mixture of strong off-speed pitches gives Norris the opportunity to bring stability and success into the fifth spot of the rotation for the Tigers in ’16.