7. Tarik Skubal
Minors (A+, AA): 6-8 record, 122.2 innings, 2.42 ERA, 1.011 WHiP, 37 walks, 179 strikeouts
The Detroit Tigers selected Tarik Skubal in the 9th round of the 2017 MLB Draft. It is possible that he will make his major league debut by the end of the 2020 campaign.
To be fair, the only reason why Skubal was selected so late is due to his injury history. He had undergone Tommy Joh surgery in 2016, which caused him to miss most of that year and all of 2017. When he returned, his command was still a work in progress, but the Tigers saw enough potential to sign him for an above slot bonus.
That faith was immediately rewarded, as Skubal has dominated in the minors. Armed with a mid 90s fastball that can touch 97 MPH, he also has an above average curve with 1 to 7 break that he uses as his strikeout pitch. Skubal has a tight slider that he can throw for strikes, and the vestiges of a change. That changeup is clearly his fourth offering, and may end up being a pitch that he shows rarely just to keep hitters off balance.
Skubal, at least thus far in his professional career, has not displayed any of the health concerns or the command issues that plagued the end of his time in college. In fact, his ability to dominate in the zone, and his three pitch mix, could lead him to the majors by the end of 2020. Once there, it is unlikely that he returns to the minors.
The Detroit Tigers got a steal in Tarik Skubal. He appears set to reward them for years to come.