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Detroit Tigers: Top 10 Rookie-Eligible Prospects for 2018

By Benjamin Chase

DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 27: A knit Detroit Tigers hat is seem on a toy tiger prior to the Tigers hosting the San Francisco Giants during Game Three of the Major League Baseball World Series at Comerica Park on October 27, 2012 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 27: A knit Detroit Tigers hat is seem on a toy tiger prior to the Tigers hosting the San Francisco Giants during Game Three of the Major League Baseball World Series at Comerica Park on October 27, 2012 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /
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8. Christin Stewart, OF

Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 12/10/1993 (24)
2017 teams/levels played for: AA Erie SeaWolves
2017 Stats: .256/.335/.501, 555 PA, 28 HR, 3 SB, 56/138 BB/K

Info: Physically strong with a college track record of hitting at Tennessee, it was no surprise when the Detroit Tigers saw Stewart jump from the 34th overall selection in 2015 to AA by the end of 2016.

Stewart’s power is undeniable, as he has 68 professional home runs in just under 1,400 professional plate appearances. However, with the advanced build, he’s also had “old man” defense issues, with many scouts worried that he might end up stuck at DH long-term.

This season, a number of scouts told me that he looked much more comfortable in left field. While he won’t ever win a Gold Glove, he has an above-average arm and average speed that works well once he’s underway, which plays well in a corner outfield spot, but he did seem to read the ball off the bat better in 2017.

The concern with Stewart has really shifted now to his swing length and being able to counter premium velocity and hard breaking stuff at the upper levels. He showed the ability to handle the latter in 2017, but premium velocity with movement on both the top and bottom of the zone was a concern in games that I saw of Stewart this year.

He’s made a quick rise up to AA and spent a full season at that level in 2017. He’s likely to open in AAA in 2018, but his power bat could be attractive to bring up to a rebuilding Tigers club this season.

7. Isaac Paredes, SS

Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 2/18/1999 (19)
2017 teams/levels played for: low-A South Bend Cubs, low-A West Michigan Whitecaps
2017 Stats: .252/.338/.387, 517 PA, 11 HR, 2 SB, 42/67 BB/K

Info: From this point forward really shows the improvement of the farm system over the last season. Paredes represents one of five players in the top seven on this list who were not in the organization to begin the 2017 season.

While others may have better track records so far, there may not be a player in the Tigers organization with a higher ceiling than Paredes. The Tigers acquired him this summer from the Cubs in the deal that sent Justin Wilson and Alex Avila to Wrigley.

there may not be a player in the Tigers organization with a higher ceiling than Paredes

As an 18 year-old for the entire 2017 season, the young Mexican did not show himself to be out of place at the plate or in the field in full season ball. In fact, his glove and arm have been considered enough to push him quickly to the major leagues in the next year or two as a 19/20 year-old, which is incredible to consider.

With the bat, many see a .725 OPS and a .252 batting average and dismiss Paredes for his offensive ability. He especially struggled after the trade, hitting .217 with a .671 OPS over 32 games with West Michigan.

However, what was impressive to consider is that Paredes was able to generate 39 extra base hits as an 18 year old in full season ball, something quite impressive for a lean, 6′ shortstop that likely weighs in around 180ish pounds. Most impressive was his 42/67 BB/K rate, which bears out to an 8.1% walk rate and 13% strikeout rate, both excellent numbers for a first full season at any age, even more impressive at Paredes’ age.

The Tigers will send Paredes to high-A in Lakeland to open 2018, and he’s most likely to spend the full season there unless he really hits well. Many compare him very favorably to former Tigers prospect Willy Adames.

Next: #5 and #6

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