Detroit Tigers: Grading spring training performances of 3 prospects

Spring training for the Detroit Tigers is crucial for the struggling team. The Tigers haven’t won the AL Central since 2014 and managed just 66 wins in 2022. They have been rebuilding the farm system for a few years, and it’s close to time for the Tigers to harvest some new talent.

Let’s take a look at three Detroit Tigers prospects spring training performances and whether they’re an overreaction or reality.

Jace Jung: Overreaction

Jace Jung was the 12th overall pick in the 2022 MLB draft by the Tigers out of Texas Tech. Jung started at the five spot on the Tigers prospect ranking but has vaulted to number 1 this spring. Currently, the Tigers franchise is resting on his and Spencer Torkelson’s shoulders. Jung is being hailed as the Tigers version of Derek Jeter.

Jung got his first big league spring training at-bat in Lakeland, Fla., a few days ago. Jung said of manager A.J. Hinch, “He just told me to be aggressive, And have fun. Because when you stop enjoying this game, you know it turns into a job. You want to just enjoy it while you can.”

Jung took that advice and came out swinging, nailing his first pitch for a high-speed single to right. It’s clear that his bat is tremendous. Unfortunately, the Tigers are in no rush to bring him up, so we won’t see him in Detroit until September at the earliest. On Jung, Ryan Garko, the Tigers vice president of player development, said, “We’ve actually had to pull the reins on him here. He wants to do everything. I keep talking to him and telling him, ‘You’re gonna be playing every day until September.”

Jung’s spring training hype is an overreaction, but he is every bit a star and could be the Tigers’ Jeter … but not yet. We will revisit spring next year.

Jackson Jobe: Reality

Jackson Jobe will be the next in line on a long list of Tigers aces. Jackson was another first-round pick in 2021 and, at just 19, is turning heads in Lakeland. He has been surprisingly effective this spring with his 93-97 mph fastball and high-spin, near-plus-plus slider. The Tigers’ most significant concern and priority with Jobe is keeping him healthy. He had a stellar year in Double-A ball last season.

Garko said, “He did a good job of getting through it, and he seems much more prepared. He can tell you mentally he’s in a really good place right now and ready for the season.”

Verdict? Jackson Jobe’s spring training performance is a reality, a true ace in the hole.

Justyn-Henry Malloy: Reality

One prospect seemly ready to join the organization’s Opening Day roster is the fifth-ranked prospect, Justyn-Henry Malloy. The 6-foot-3 third baseman has a rocket/laser arm and was drafted in the sixth round by the Atlanta Braves in 2021. The Tigers are invested in Ryan Kreidler at third every day. Still, JHM would be a stellar corner outfielder and provide an excellent average and serious power to the deprived Tigers offense.

Look for Malloy on Opening Day as his spring training performance (batting .274) is a reality, and his time is now.