Jackson Jobe could be next ace for Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers have done an impressive job at drafting and developing pitchers. Aside from the recently signed Eduardo Rodriguez, their entire rotation heading into 2022 consists of players that they selected and worked with in their system. Although Casey Mize appears to be a future top of the rotation arm, the best may be yet to come in Detroit.

It is difficult to project greatness upon someone who has yet to actually pitch professionally. That is especially the case when they were drafted out of high school last season. But that is the case with the third pick of the 2021 MLB Draft – Jackson Jobe.

Detroit Tigers could have next ace in Jackson Jobe

Although spring training is not set to begin until the end of the month, and no one knows if or when major leaguers will arrive, that has not stopped players from making an impression. Such is the case with Jobe, who is turning heads with his stuff.

Based on the impressions of one scout, Jobe could be the best arm on the Tigers’ staff in a few years. He gives Jobe’s fastball and change a 70 grade on the traditional 20 to 80 scale, which would be impressive enough in its own right. But add in an 80 grade slider, and Jobe would have three plus-plus offerings that could be used to dominate as he begins his career.

Clearly, it is going to take time for Jobe to reach the majors. He is just 19 years old and has not made his professional debut. That will likely come in Low-A in the coming year. However, based on his pure stuff, he may not spend much time at that level before beginning his trek up the Tigers’ ladder.

But it is fun to dream. Such is the case with Jobe who, if he develops as expected, could be Detroit’s next top of the rotation arm. He could push Mize and Rodriguez as the staff ace in time as well, especially if he moves as quickly through the system as at least one scout expects.

The Detroit Tigers could have their next ace in their system. Jackson Jobe may not have made his professional debut yet, but he is already turning heads.