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Detroit Tigers: 5 Prospects to Keep an Eye on

By Griffin Fabits

Jun 25, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; General view during the sixth inning of the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; General view during the sixth inning of the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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JaCoby Jones

When the Detroit Tigers saw 2015 as a lost cause and decided to sell at the July 31 trade deadline, they reeled in one of the most exciting young prospects in the game. Trading Joakim Soria to the Pittsburgh Pirates landed them JaCoby Jones, now their seventh overall prospect.

Standing at 6’2″, Jones has always been a slugger. He’s also got the ability to drive the ball out of the ballpark. In his first season of professional baseball with the Jamestown Jammers in 2013, Jones enjoyed .311 BA and 10 RBI in just 15 games played. Uncharacteristically, Jones only hit one home run that year.

The next season with the Pirates’ A-Ball affiliate West Virginia Power, Jones would go on to play the best season of his short career. The batting average dropped to .288, but he hit 23 round-trippers and drove in 70 runs.

He struggled after the trade with the Erie Sea Wolves and through 37 games, slashed .250/.331/.463 with 52 strikeouts.

At the start of 2016, Jones proved that he was no match for Double-A ball. He was promoted to the Toledo Mud Hens after raising his average to .312 with 20 RBI through 20 games. Twelve of his twenty-four hits went for extra bases and Jones became a Hen on June 6.

Although he’s just one stop away from making his major league debut, Jones’ race to the bigs may be longer than expected. He’s only batting .196 in 102 at-bats this year for the Hens. Since his call-up, Jones has only hit two dingers with only eight runs driven in. Clearly, these numbers aren’t worthy of another promotion.

But, the Tigers don’t feel the need to rush Jones to the big leagues. According to Al Avila, Toledo is the best spot for the 24-year old this season. Not to mention, Jones is still making the transition from his normal third base position to center field.

There is definitely reason to be excited for the future the Tigers have. Burrows could be the ace, Jimenez the All-Star closer, and Hill, Stewart, and Jones locking up the three outfield positions.

Next: Detroit Tigers All-Time 25-Man Roster

For once, the Detroit Tigers have depth in the minor league system. But it’s not just depth. It’s talent.

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