Detroit Tigers: Jake Rogers needs a big jump in 2021 to stick

When the Detroit Tigers traded Justin Verlander to the Houston Astros, catching prospect Jake Rogers came back on the return. As he made his way to the big leagues, Rogers was one of the organization’s more exciting prospects, but things started taking a turn when the hit-tool did not pan out as expected.

Rogers’s defense excelled quickly in the minor leagues but he was unable to really get things going with the bat. In 2019, Rogers finally cracked the big league roster but has not been the catcher the Detroit Tigers were hoping for when he came to the organization.

In an article published by the Detroit Free Press, Rogers talked about the offensive struggles and failure to make the big league cut in 2020. The hope is that these swing changes can be something that really fixes his offensive woes.

With A.J. Hinch hired as the new manager of the Tigers, the hope is that Rogers can finally piece things together in the batter’s box so he can be the hitter the Tigers have hoped for. The issue is, he needs to make some severe strides for that to happen.

The Detroit Tigers should expect a big jump from Jake Rogers if he wants to stick on the big league club.

More from Detroit Jock City

• Tigers Sign Manager A.J. Hinch to Long-Term Extension
• Lions vs. Bears Week 14 Opening Odds Disrespect Detroit
• Former Tigers Celebrate Jim Leyland Hall of Fame Call
• This Pistons Team Could be the Worst in Detroit Sports History
• 4 Free Agents Tigers Should Sign During Winter Meetings

When Rogers was on the big league roster his offense was underwhelming and his defense took a while to really show.

In 2019, Rogers played in 35 games for the Tigers where he hit .125/.222/.259 with 51 strikeouts over 112 at-bats.

Last year Rogers was at the alternate training site in Toledo so he did not register any games during the 2020 season.

Frankly, Rogers is going to have to show he can be a big leaguer sooner than later. The Tigers recently brought in Wilson Ramos on a one-year, $2 million contract for the 2021 season.

So the big league roster is likely going to be Grayson Greiner or Ramos unless Rogers really shows out at Spring Training.

In the 2020 MLB Draft, the Tigers selected catcher Dillon Dingler who is going to be a talent to keep an eye on as he develops and works through the minors. Rogers could have some real competition in Dingler as he develops.

All the more reason for Rogers to show that he has made strides in his offensive development. Rogers can have a strong Spring Training and maybe turn some heads, but right now his offense was putrid and things have to change if he is going to be a big leaguer.

The Detroit Tigers better expect Jake Rogers to make significant improvements for the 2021 season.