Detroit Tigers top ten prospects for 2020
By David Hill
10. Franklin Perez
Minors (A+): 7.2 innings, 2.35 ERA, 1.565 WHiP, five walks, six strikeouts
Franklin Perez did not become a full time pitcher until he was 15 years old. However, despite that late start, he has the potential to be an impact starter for the Detroit Tigers relatively soon.
Acquired as part of the Justin Verlander deal, Perez has slowly made his way up the ladder since being signed as an international free agent. He has quickly taken to the mound, with a plus fastball that sits in the mid 90s and a curve with excellent spin. Perez also uses a slider and change, both pitches flash the potential to be plus offerings as well, with the change occasionally featuring screwball-esque movement.
The problem is that Perez simply has not been able to stay on the mound. Since his acquisition in 2017, he has thrown a total of 27 innings for the Tigers, as he has suffered a lat strain, shoulder inflammation, and a trap injury over the past two years. In 2016, Perez had a knee injury that ended his season prematurely.
Those health issues are the biggest obstacle facing Perez. The pure stuff is there, as he has the type of four pitch mix that could make him a potential second or third starter in the majors. But he has to stay on the mound in order for that to happen. To this point, he has had just one relatively healthy season in the past four years.
The 2020 campaign could be the difference maker for Franklin Perez. If he can prove that he can stay healthy, he could be a key part of the Detroit Tigers future. Otherwise, it is fair to wonder if he will ever fulfill his immense potential.