Detroit Tigers prospect Max Anderson is turning heads while playing in the AFL (Arizona Fall League). The Tigers have two of their top prospects playing in the league this year. While most of the talk has been about MLB’s number two overall prospect, Kevin McGonigle, Anderson is letting everyone know he wants a spot on the big-league roster sooner than later.

His Selection

The Tigers selected Anderson for the AFL after a strong 2025 minor league season. Overall, he hit .296 in 122 games between Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo. Those stats included 19 home runs, 31 doubles, and 88 RBIs and prompted the team to see whether he could play and hit as well against other top prospects from around MiLB. At the very least, they wanted to afford him the opportunity to get as many looks on both offense and defense as possible in a competitive environment.

Bat-First Player

Anderson has been measured and seen as a bat-first player. His offense has shown a quick swing that allows him to make regular contact all over the field. The ninth-ranked prospect in the Tigers organization was the 45th pick in the 2023 Major League Baseball draft. Since he joined the organization, he’s also showed some home run power with 32 over his first three seasons. Add to that 185 RBIs, 160 runs, and a decent 494 total bases. In the AFL, he will be working on improving his plate discipline and pitch selection.

Multiple Positions

Defensively, Anderson is a reliable fielder at second base and has primarily played that position in the minors. The Tigers want to see him improve and refine his defensive skills in the AFL. He has a very good chance of being invited to Spring Training to compete for a roster spot—that is if the Tigers don’t sign a free agent to fill the position.

Stint in the AFL Started Well

It is still early in the AFL season, but Anderson’s stint in the league has started very well. He has five hits in ten at-bats with three doubles and hit his first home run this past Tuesday. Anderson has also played third base well, demonstrating decent footwork and an accurate arm to first base.

Big-League Roster 2026

Detroit Tigers prospect Max Anderson is turning heads and is showing the team; he can handle himself against some of the game’s overall top prospects. If his time in the AFL continues to be as successful as his start, with hitting—which is something the Tigers need—and as well as fielding, his chances to get a Spring Training invite are good. Continued growth and improvement in this competitive league just might help him make the big-league roster for 2026.

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