6. Daz Cameron
Minors (AAA): 528 plate appearances, .214/.330/.377, 22 doubles, 13 homers, 17 steals, 62 walks, 152 strikeouts
During Spring Training, there was talk that Daz Cameron should be the Detroit Tigers Opening Day center fielder. When he was sent back to the minors, it was thought that Cameron would make his debut in relatively short order.
Instead, he absolutely bombed in his first full season in Toledo, posting his lowest OPS since an injury plagued 2016 campaign. As such, it is understandable that Cameron’s prospect star has faded to the point where one has to wonder if he will be a part of the Tigers future.
The tools are still there. Cameron still has the aggressive approach that he had been known for, but has also been more selective. Mechanical tweaks to his swing have allowed him to tap into his power more, and he is still hitting to all fields. He has the speed to stick in center, and to potentially be a 20-20 player if he can learn efficiency on the basepaths.
It is possible that Cameron can still play an important part in the Tigers future. Even top prospects have down years, and his may have simply come at a bad time. However, given his proximity to the majors, his struggles at AAA have been magnified. Considering some scouts had already thought that he may be nothing more than a fourth outfielder, his lack of production in Toledo did nothing to quiet those doubts.
The 2020 campaign could be a make or break season for Daz Cameron. While he has the tools to potentially be an every day center fielder in the majors, he still has a lot to prove.