Detroit — Tigers president Scott Harris was extolling the virtues of rookie pitcher Troy Melton during the postseason press conference last month.
“I’m really impressed by Troy Melton,” he said. “I thought he pitched really well for us and got some big outs for us. He handled the transition to the bullpen as seamlessly as any young player I’ve seen since I’ve been here.”
Harris went on to talk about how Melton added valuable length and a much-needed swing-and-miss element to the bullpen, which proved especially valuable in the postseason.
“You can’t ask for any more than what Troy gave us,” Harris said. “I’m really proud of him for stepping up and answering the bell. I don’t think we get as far without him.”
Manager AJ Hinch, sitting next to Harris on the dais, had one quick follow-up to that.
“He’s a starter,” Hinch said. “He’s a starter next season.”
The 24-year-old Melton on Friday was named Tigers Rookie of the Year in a vote by the Detroit Sports Media. Not bad for a guy who started the season in Double-A and didn’t make his big-league debut until July 23.
He ended up posting a 3-2 record with a 2.76 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP in 16 games (four starts) in the regular season. He pitched in four postseason games, including a clutch four strong innings in Game 1 of the American League Division Series in Seattle.
He got the win in Game 4 with three scoreless innings and pitched a scoreless inning two days later in the 15-inning loss in Game 5.
But, as Hinch made clear, Melton will come to camp in February looking to secure his spot in the Tigers’ rotation.
Detroit Sports Media has named a Tiger Rookie of the Year each season dating to 1969. Colt Keith won the award in 2024.
chris.mccosky@detroitnews.com
@cmccosky
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