{"id":613010,"date":"2026-03-08T07:52:05","date_gmt":"2026-03-08T07:52:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/613010\/"},"modified":"2026-03-08T07:52:05","modified_gmt":"2026-03-08T07:52:05","slug":"detroit-tigers-top-50-prospects-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/613010\/","title":{"rendered":"Detroit Tigers Top 50 Prospects (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\nTop 50 graphic design by Michael Packard, @CollectingPack<\/a> on Twitter<\/p>\n

Detroit Tigers<\/p>\n

AL Central
2025 record: 87-75 (2nd)<\/p>\n

MiLB affiliates
Triple-A: Toledo Mud Hens
Double-A: Erie SeaWolves
High-A: West Michigan Whitecaps
Single-A: Lakeland Flying Tigers<\/p>\n

2025 End-Of-Season farm system rank: #3
Jeremy Mahy\u2019s organization take from our 2025 End-Of-Season Farm System Rankings<\/a>:<\/p>\n

2026 International Signing: Manuel Bolivar, C (Venezuela) $2.3M. Not included in the Top 50 rankings below. Would likely be slotted in lower Tier 4 or upper Tier 5 and should show up in our next Tigers prospects update.<\/p>\n

Prospects1500 writers who contributed to this column and rankings: Greg Bracken (@gregbracken07<\/a>), Scott Greene (@Scotty_Ballgame<\/a>), Shaun Kernahan (@ShaunKernahan<\/a>), J.W. Mulpas (@CLEBoxscoreBeat<\/a>), and Jeremy Mahy (@JMahyfam<\/a>). The writer\u2019s Twitter handle follows each player write-up or paragraph.<\/p>\n

Prospects1500 Tiers:
Tier 1: Players with high expectations of both making the majors and playing at an All-Star level for a number of years
Tier 2: Players with an above-average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 3: Players with an average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 4: Players who have the potential to make the majors; possible sleeper candidates for sustained MLB success
Tier 5: Players of interest, worth keeping an eye on, who may make (or have made) the majors but provide minimal impact<\/p>\n

Levels listed for each player are the highest levels player reached in 2025<\/p>\n

Tier 1<\/p>\n

1. Kevin McGonigle<\/a>, SS, 21, Double-A
Arguably the best hitting prospect in all the MLB, Kevin McGonigle\u2019s weapons combine superior pitch recognition, plate discipline, and above-average barrel. Even at 5\u201910\u201d, McGonigle produces power to all fields, while his speed creates extra base hits out of gap shots. In the field, he flashes good range and a strong arm from the left side of the infield. So far in 2026 Spring Training, McGonigle is hitting .400 with an OPS of 1.167 setting him up to be the starting shortstop on Opening Day. McGonigle has all the potential to be a multi-year batting champ and MVP vote-getter. (@Baseball_Moods)<\/p>\n

2. Max Clark<\/a>, OF, 21, Double-A
With two professional seasons under his belt, Max Clark continues to develop in the Tigers system. Changes to his stance and swing plane in 2025 increased Clark\u2019s power numbers and decreased his strikeouts. Across both A+ & AA in 2025, Clark had more walks than strikeouts, while also 36 XBH. His plus speed out of the box positions Clark to be a leadoff hitter in future seasons in Detroit; setting up McGonigle\/Greene\/Torkelson ABs with a runner on. Clark should start 2026 in AA Erie, with a soon thereafter promotion to AAA Toledo. (@Baseball_Moods)<\/p>\n

Tier 2<\/p>\n

3. Bryce Rainer<\/a>, SS, 20, Single-A
Rainer\u2019s pro career began with an aggressive assignment to Single-A Lakeland and he looked more than up to the task, slashing .288\/.383\/.448 with 5 homeruns and 9 stolen bases. Unfortunately, just 35 games in his season as ended due to a shoulder injury sliding back into first base. Prior to injury, Rainer was flashing a potential 70-grade power tool with some impressive early exit velocities. Shoulder injuries can be tricky and often a player\u2019s power can be slower to return right away. If the shoulder heals cleanly and the power continues comes back, he could be a future middle of the order hitter with significant impact. (@JMahyfam)<\/p>\n

4. Josue Brice\u00f1o<\/a>, C\/1B, 21, Double-A
Briceno introduced himself to the prospect community with a crazy 2024 AFL performance, in which he slashed .433\/.509\/.867 with 10 home runs in just 25 games. He carried that momentum into last season, where in 442 plate appearances across High-A and Double-A, he slashed .266\/.383\/.500 with 20 homeruns while keeping his strikeout rate under 20%. I have seen mixed reviews on his ability to stay behind the plate with some scouts suggesting that due to his size and pure hitting ability he might be better suited for a first base\/DH role. Either way his bat will play thanks to his excellent pitch recognition, mature feel for hitting, and above average exit velocities. (@JMahyfam)
*Note: Briceno underwent surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right wrist this past Wednesday and will miss an undetermined amount of time.<\/p>\n

5. Thayron Liranzo<\/a>, C, 22, Double-A
A look at the 2025 numbers for Liranzo would cause some to question his tier-2 ranking. A .206\/.308\/.351 slash line in Double-A isn\u2019t pretty, but when you factor in that he delt with a personal tragedy and an injury last season, it puts things into perspective. Liranzo shows solid skills behind the plate and there\u2019s reason to believe he can develop into an above-average backstop. The Tigers are betting on the switch-hitters bat rebounding, as the foundation of good plate discipline and raw power are still intact. (@JMahyfam)<\/p>\n

Tier 3<\/p>\n

6. Hao-Yu Lee<\/a>, 3B\/2B, 23, Triple-A
7. Jordan Yost<\/a>, SS, 19, High school
8. Max Anderson<\/a>, 2B, 24, Triple-A
9. Cris Rodriguez<\/a>, OF, 18, Rookie (DSL)
10. Franyerber Montilla<\/a>, SS\/2B, 20, Single-A
11. Jaden Hamm<\/a>, RHP, 23, Double-A<\/p>\n

Lee was fully healthy last season and his production at the plate showed that. He continued to display an excellent feel for the strike zone, and a swing change that added more loft to his swing has resulted in more over-the-fence power. He may never be a star but it looks increasingly like he could provide solid everyday value at the second base position. Yost was the Tigers first-round pick last July, a surprise to many in the industry. He doesn\u2019t have standout tools, but his athleticism, instincts, and strong contact skills suggest that the organization might see something that they can develop in him. Anderson doesn\u2019t get enough love, he has elite contact skills and is showing enough exit velocity to project 15+ HR power. That would make him a very solid everyday player. Rodriguez was the Tigers\u2019 big international signing last year and he backed it up with his DSL debut slashing .308\/.340\/.564 with 10 home runs and 10 stolen bases in 50 games. Montilla flashes excellent bat-to-ball skills and plus speed. His bat speed gives him a chance to grow into future power, especially as he matures and refines his swing. Since being drafted back in 2023, Hamm has steadily gained velocity on his fastball sitting 94-95 last season. He pairs the fastball with a plus changeup and a sharp over-the-top curveball. If he can command his arsenal and keep the homeruns down, he could develop into a decent mid-rotation pitcher.<\/p>\n

Tier 4<\/p>\n

12. Michael Oliveto<\/a>, C, 19, High school
13. Malachi Witherspoon<\/a>, RHP, 21, College
14. Owen Hall<\/a>, RHP, 20, Single-A
15. Kelvis Salcedo<\/a>, RHP, 20, Single-A
16. Andrew Sears<\/a>, LHP, 23, Double-A
17. Ty Madden<\/a>, RHP, 26, MLB
18. John Peck<\/a>, SS\/3B, 23, Double-A
19. Ben Jacobs<\/a>, LHP, 21, College
20. Ethan Schiefelbein<\/a>, LHP, 19, Rookie (FCL)
21. Jake Miller<\/a>, LHP, 24, Double-A<\/p>\n

Oliveto was the Tigers\u2019 1st round pick in the 2025 MLB Draft last summer, out of Hauppauge High School on Long Island. The talented backstop should get things started with his pro career in the Florida Complex League this year. 2nd round pick Witherspoon looks to be one of the best in their next wave of pitchers, and he could be assigned to High-A West Michigan. Both Hall and Salcedo may be leading the Single-A Lakeland rotation when the 2026 MiLB season kicks off. Hall started four games for the Flying Tigers last season, and after debuting in the FCL, Salcedo got six games in Lakeland as well. Madden is the one player in this tier who got some MLB time (23 IP), had mixed results, and should be one of the first to get the call back to Detroit when they need an arm. Jacobs, Detroit\u2019s third round selection, struck out 120 in 83.1 IP in his 2025 campaign for Arizona State. Look for him to be assigned similarly to Witherspoon. Schiefelbein, still only 19, was drafted in 2024 and debuted last season in three Rookie league games. He\u2019ll pitch for Single-A Lakeland to kick off 2026. (@Scotty_Ballgame)<\/p>\n

Tier 5<\/p>\n

22. Eduardo Valencia<\/a>, 1B\/C, 26, Triple-A
23. Nick Dumesnil<\/a>, OF, 21, Single-A
24. Lucas Elissalt<\/a>, RHP, 21, High-A
25. Angel De Los Santos<\/a>, SS, 18, Rookie (DSL)
26. Trei Cruz<\/a>, SS\/OF, 27, Triple-A
27. Jack Penney<\/a>, 2B\/SS, 23, High-A
28. Izaac Pacheco<\/a>, 3B, 23, High-A
29. Michael Massey<\/a>, RHP, 22, Injured (College in 2024)
30. Dylan Smith<\/a>, RHP, 25, MLB
31. Joseph Montalvo<\/a>, RHP, 23, Double-A
32. River Hamilton<\/a>, RHP, 19, High school
33. Roberto Campos<\/a>, OF, 22, Double-A
34. Seth Stephenson<\/a>, OF, 25, Double-A
35. Jackson Strong<\/a>, OF, 22, High-A
36. Paul Wilson<\/a>, LHP, 21, Single-A
37. Jude Warwick<\/a>, SS\/2B, 20, Single-A
38. Nestor Miranda<\/a>, 3B, 20, Rookie (DSL)
39. Grayson Grinsell<\/a>, LHP, 22, College
40. Peyton Graham<\/a>, 2B, 25, High-A
41. Brett Callahan<\/a>, OF, 24, High-A
42. Yosber Sanchez<\/a>, RHP, 24, Double-A
43. Gage Workman<\/a>, 3B\/SS, 26, MLB
44. Ryan Hall<\/a>, RHP, 18, High school
45. Cristian Santana<\/a>, 1B, 22, Single-A
46. Gabriel Reyes<\/a>, LHP, 22, Single-A
47. Jose Dickson<\/a>, SS, 19, Rookie (FCL)
48. Javier Osorio<\/a>, 3B\/2B, 20, Rookie (FCL)
49. Caleb Leys<\/a>, LHP, 22, College
50. Zach Swanson<\/a>, RHP, 20, Injured (High school in 2024)<\/p>\n

Valencia showed intriguing offensive traits in 2025, with the bat carrying his profile whether he sticks behind the plate or settles in at first base long term. Dumesnil put together a productive season with his power-speed blend, and if the approach holds, he could push himself into the upper-minors outfield conversation soon. Elissalt continued to develop on the mound with solid strike-throwing ability, profiling as rotation depth as he climbs the ladder. Cruz brings athleticism and defensive versatility across the middle of the diamond, though the bat will ultimately determine how far the profile goes. Penney continues to show strong on-base skills and a mature approach at the plate. Pacheco remains one of the more interesting power bats in the organization, and a healthy, consistent 2026 could put him back on the radar after an uneven run of seasons. Campos still flashes loud raw tools, but turning those into consistent in-game production will be key as he pushes to reach Triple-A. Stephenson brings speed and defensive range to the outfield, giving him a chance to carve out a role if the bat continues progressing. Wilson leaned on his strikeout ability throughout 2025 and could continue developing as a starter. Warwick showed promising contact skills and versatility around the infield, making him an intriguing name to watch as he gains experience. Osorio is a young infielder still developing his offensive game, likely continuing that process in the lower levels while the Tigers see how the tools translate. (@Scotty_Ballgame)<\/p>\n

Author<\/p>\n

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Prospects1500 is your comprehensive dynasty league resource, featuring deep MLB\/MiLB top prospect lists, news and rankings.<\/p>\n

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President of Prospects1500. Founder of Diamond Duos dynasty fantasy baseball leagues and the MLB Fantasy Playoffs Parlay. Participant and champion in several dynasty\/fantasy baseball and football leagues. Sales Manager for Reminder Publishing by day. Huge Bruce Springsteen and pro wrestling fan. Along with his wife and two boys, lives in Longmeadow, MA. Follow on Twitter at @Scotty_Ballgame<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Jeremy covers the St Louis organization and contributes on Prospects of the Week for Prospects1500. Born and raised in the Midwest, he is a lifelong fan of the Birds on the Bat. You can follow him on Twitter @JMahyfam<\/a> for more baseball content.<\/p>\n

“Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too.” -Yogi Berra<\/p>\n

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Greg covers the Toronto Blue Jays organization for Prospects1500. Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, a long-suffering fan of both the Blue Jays and the Toronto Maple Leafs. For more than 15 years now a participant\/commish in many dynasty baseball leagues, all with extremely deep minor league rosters. Follow on X @gregbracken07.<\/p>\n

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Shaun Kernahan is the MLB Draft correspondent for Prospects1500. When not at a game, chances are the TV and\/or tablet has a game on and he has a notepad out taking notes. When not scouting draft prospects, he is the Director of Baseball Operations for the Mile High Collegiate Baseball League, a collegiate wood bat league in Colorado. Shaun can be found on Twitter at @ShaunKernahan<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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J.W. resides in Northeast Ohio and is a lifelong Cleveland sports fan. His favorite baseball player of all-time is 2018 Hall of Fame inductee, Jim Thome. He enjoys playing Fantasy Baseball, especially dynasty leagues. He has been a contributor to Prospects1500 since January 2025. You can follow J.W. on X at @CLEBoxscoreBeat.<\/p>\n

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Based deep in the heart of Texas, I am surrounded by the absolute best of college baseball year after year. From midweeks at The Dish to weekends watching Olsen Magic, I love the energy of D1 college baseball. For the past five years, I have been covering the Detroit Tigers organization for Prospects1500 while also ranking MLB Draft eligible players as they join the FYPD and Dynasty world.<\/p>\n

Being able to learn from the game\u2019s best coaches and watch the student athletes passionately compete is a blessing I do not take lightly. While rooted in SEC country, I am a B1G Ten truther to my core. I will always stop for a prospect discussion or for random baseball trivia. You can usually find me throughout the baseball season walking the baselines and concourses. Remember friends, \u201cEvery game is someone\u2019s first game!\u201d<\/p>\n

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