2. Matt Manning
Minors (AA): 11-5 record, 133.2 innings, 2.56 ERA, 0.980 WHiP, 38 walks, 148 strikeouts
Considered a bit of a project when the Detroit Tigers selected him with the 9th overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft, Matt Manning is paying off.
A two sport athlete, Manning was slowly eased into professional ball before exploding onto the prospect map in 2018. He shot up through three levels in the Tigers system, ending the year in AA. Manning spent the entire 2019 campaign at the same level, producing the type of performance that shows why the Tigers have such high hopes for his future.
Despite typically sitting in the low 90s with his fastball, Manning has the ability to generate mid 90s heat at virtually any time, having an easy ability to call upon that added velocity. His curve, sitting in the low 80s, is a legitimate strikeout pitch, and could be on par with his fastball in terms of the grading scale. While his changeup lags behind the other two offerings, it still has the potential to be, at worst, an average pitch with more development.
Manning is still a work in progress. He still needs to learn to repeat his delivery and arm slot, as well as continue to develop command of his arsenal. If he is able to continue his development, Manning could become a second or third starter moving forward for Detroit.
Matt Manning has the potential to be the top of the rotation arm the Detroit Tigers need. But he is still a work in progress.