3 Tigers Top Prospects Who Should Make Opening Day Roster if Minor League Season is Cancelled

The coronavirus pandemic has put the entire baseball calendar in serious flux. Although Major League Baseball is confident in their abilities to begin the 2020 season by late June, there's a strong possibility that the Minor League Baseball campaign could be canceled altogether.

If that's truly the case, that would benefit teams like the Detroit Tigers. Let's face it, the Tigers aren't competing for a playoff berth in 2020. But, they can use this time to call up top prospects and see how they fare against major league players. Here are three prospects the Tigers should consider adding to their Opening Day roster, assuming it's expanded.

3. Tarik Skubal, LHP

Tarik Skubal is the Tigers' No. 4 overall prospect. / Rich Schultz/Getty Images

Originally a 29th round draft pick by the Seattle Mariners, Skubal didn't impress his former organization, but Detroit took a chance on the lefty, and it seriously paid off. In his first two seasons in the Tigers minor league system, the lefty struck out 212 batters in 145 innings, while posting a 2.11 cumulative ERA across five teams. Skubal is viewed as one of the best left-handed pitchers in the minors, and projects to be a future No. 3 starting pitcher. The Tigers would be wise to call him up for the start of the season and see what he can bring to the team.

2. Isaac Paredes, SS/3B

Isaac Paredes is projected to be Detroit's everyday third baseman. / Mark Cunningham/Getty Images

Isaac Paredes was the prize prospect the Tigers received after sending Alex Avila and Justin Wilson to the Chicago Cubs back in 2017. Paredes has been praised for his eye in the batter's box and fielding abilities during his time in the minors. In 2019, the shortstop/third baseman hybrid batted .282 with a .784 OPS, while hitting 13 home runs and 66 RBI. Considering he's just 21 years old, he's going to add the desired muscle at the major league level, which translates to additional home run power. Paredes is projected to be an everyday third baseman with Detroit, considering their lack of quality depth at the position. But, expect Paredes to start off his career as an option off the bench in 2020.

1. Casey Mize, RHP

Casey Mize, Tigers No. 1 overall prospect. / Mark Cunningham/Getty Images

This is a no-brainer. The Tigers selected Casey Mize with the first-overall pick in the 2018 entry draft with the hopes of him being the franchise's future ace. In his first season in Detroit's farm system, the right-hander posted a 3.95 ERA in five games, and was effectively shut down due to a team-imposed innings limit. In 2019, Mize vastly improved his game, as evidenced by his 2.55 ERA, but he did have a short trip on the injured list due to right shoulder discomfort. Even though the organization would like to play it safe with their golden goose, he's projected to be a stud on the mound. Mize making his Tigers debut in 2020 just makes too much sense.