Predicting the Next 3 Top Tigers Prospects to Get a Big League Call-Up
By Ryan Flores
If you're a Detroit Tigers fan, then you know that there isn't much to look forward to this year, as they're currently 27-53, 24 games behind the first place Minnesota Twins. However, it's not all bad, as fans will get to see some of Detroit's top prospects make their debut at the highest level sometime this year. Let's take a look at three prospects that could potentially be next in line to get a big league call-up.
3. Jake Rogers
The catcher position has been a weakness of Detroit's this year, and Rogers could very well take the (mostly) everyday role there sometime soon. Rogers' phenomenal defense will likely be his ticket to the majors, as he is an outstanding framer, and is known for throwing out base stealers with ease thanks to his strong arm. He's not known for his offense at all, although he does have 12 homers and 43 runs batted in at Double-A and Triple-A. If Jake can unlock his offensive potential, and even be an average hitter who can hit for some power, then he's got a bright future with the Tigers.
2. Willi Castro
Castro has improved with each passing season in the minors, and he's really starting to show why he should be in the majors this year with his strong play in Triple-A. On the year, Castro has slashed .293/.384/.438 with four homers, 35 runs batted in, and 13 swiped bags. He most certainly has the potential to be a nuisance on the base paths with his speed and ability to barrel up the baseball from both sides of the plate. It's possible that Willi could be in Detroit sometime after the MLB trade deadline.
1. Beau Burrows
While Burrows is not as heralded of a pitching prospect as Casey Mize, Matt Manning, or Franklin Perez, he does have some great talent that could make him a potential candidate to join the Tigers rotation sometime this summer. Although Burrows has a 4.28 ERA on the year, he has just 33.2 innings pitched at Triple-A so far, so he may just be settling in right now. With his solid four-pitch arsenal, he's most certainly a prospect the major league team is keeping an eye on in case an injury was to occur.