3 Prospects Most Important to Tigers' Rebuild

The Detroit Tigers have been mired in a long rebuild, but after multiple seasons of struggling the team's farm system is starting to stack up. With the future looking bright in Detroit, though not the immediate future, fans are eagerly awaiting the debut of several top prospects. While Tiger fans are keen on seeing these youngsters reach the bigs, ensuring their development is of the utmost importance. These three prospects in particular have huge roles to play in Detroit's rebuild.

3. OF Riley Greene

Riley Greene was the Tigers' first-round pick at No. 5 overall in 2019, and while he's not expected to reach the majors for a few years, Detroit needs to ensure he's frequently in the best position possible to succeed. While the Tigers boast a ton of talented pitching prospects, their bats are less superior, with Greene headlining the group. Greene is heralded as the future of the Tigers outfield, and if he can develop as projected, Detroit will have a star roaming the grass in just a few years time.

2. Casey Mize

Casey Mize and Matt Manning are the Tigers' top pitching prospects, though Mize takes the crown as the organization's No. 1 ranked gem. He has great things destined for him, and seems poised to take the leap to the big leagues in 2020. The former top pick resembles the face of the Tigers' future, and after recording a stellar 2.55 ERA across 109.1 innings in the minors last year, expectations are high.

1. Tarik Skubal

While it's easy to argue Mize or Manning are the most important pieces of Detroit's farm, as both figure to be top-tier starters at the next level, Tarik Skubal's development may prove even more important. Skubal has emerged as a gem within Detroit's farm, and the team's No. 4 ranked prospect, a left-hander drafted in the ninth round in 2018, will determine just how lethal the future rotation can be.