Detroit Tigers Farm System Discussion

by John Sickels on Dec 31, 2025 9:00 PM EST Comment 15 comments

I am now working on the Arizona Diamondbacks. The next team on the list is the Detroit Tigers, followed by the Milwaukee Brewers.

Use this thread to discuss the Tigers farm system. How much do the recent trades help this system? Who do you like as sleepers?

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sleepers

Guys I’d like to hear more about that are less talked about: (in no particular order)

Probably in top 20:
Brayan Villarreal
Melvin Mercedes
Audy Ciriaco
Luis Marte
Jared Gayhart

Probably outside top 20:
Brandon Douglas
Brandon Hamilton
Anthony Shawler
Alexis Espinosa
Steven Moya
Ramon Lebron
Hernand Perez
Dixon Machado

(Totally unsupported and guesswork) top 5 with grades:
Casey Crosby: B+
Scott Sizemore: B
Jacob Turner: B, though scouting reports certainly would support a B+
Andy Oliver: C+
Alex Avila: C+

by phiago on Jan 1, 2026 2:26 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Second Marte

Do you see his future in the bullpen or in the rotation?

Also- Brennan Boesch- are the Tigers crazy to believe in an OF with only one really good skill (power)?

President, Vice President and Secretary of the Casey Crosby Fanclub.

by demondeaconsbaseball on Jan 1, 2026 4:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Also more on Douglas

President, Vice President and Secretary of the Casey Crosby Fanclub.

by demondeaconsbaseball on Jan 1, 2026 5:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Austin Jackson

Is he not on there for a reason?

by lackey41 on Jan 1, 2026 1:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

forgot

I like Austin Jackson a lot, when I was doing most of my thinking about their system it was before the trade. My grade on Jackson is irrelevant, but I do think he’s top 5 in this system easily.

by phiago on Jan 1, 2026 9:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think that phiago and the majority of the blog/world

has drastically underrated the abilities of Alex Avila. As far as catchers are concerned, he’s going to grade out above average in every offensive department (except maybe speed, but who looks at speed with catchers anyway?). Defensively, his footwork isn’t great yet, but he’s only caught a couple years. He has a canon of an arm and should end up being an above average defensive C.

I would easily give him a B, and wouldn’t have a huge issue with a B+.

Casey Crosby is a B+, so is Jacob Turner.

Adoptive parent of Kyle Nicholson

by gore51 on Jan 1, 2026 2:50 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Avila

didn’t John have him pegged as a B leaning towards B+?

by mrkupe on Jan 1, 2026 3:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I vaguely remember John saying something along those lines...

do you remember when/where?

Adoptive parent of Kyle Nicholson

by gore51 on Jan 1, 2026 11:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Got it - The search bar is an amazing tool

Grade-wise I’m thinking Grade B+ right now for the ’10 book. The possibility of problems with his platoon split and the need for more defensive polish are the main things I see of concern, but overall his development this year was highly impressive.

https://www.minorleagueball.com/2009/10/9/1078008/prospect-profile-alex-avila

Adoptive parent of Kyle Nicholson

by gore51 on Jan 1, 2026 11:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Avila

You’re right, he may be underrated. He played solid baseball in AA and Detroit last year, I simply don’t believe that what he’s projected to be matches with his hot MLB start. He should start the year in AAA and if he can repeat his performance then he may work Gerald Laird out of Detroit (not difficult). I imagine this time next year we’ll have a better idea of his potential as he matches up against competition that is more level with his ability.

In short: He’s no Pablo Sandoval.

by phiago on Jan 1, 2026 10:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Avila no B+

I would honestly think a B- as best case, hopefully I’m wrong on him. Interested in the write up on Fields, whom I would rate 4th in the system.

by gpellet41 on Jan 1, 2026 8:44 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

In what world...

Is Alex Avila a C+ or a B-? He was an excellent offensive player in his first full pro year as a catcher, showing good plate discipline and patience, as well as some power. He also performed pretty well in his short stint in the MLB. While his defense remains a work in progress, he’s only been catching for a few years, so its no surprise he still needs a little work. Nonetheless, there is no way Avila merits anything less than a full B. I’d have zero issue with him as a B+…in fact, I think that’s the preferable grade.

I’m curious how John will grade Ryan Strieby. He’s probably destined for LF or DH…but my God can he hit. 30 HR caliber power, and rapidly improving plate discipline. I think he merits a solid B.

by Franchise887 on Jan 1, 2026 6:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If one were of the opinion that Avila was definitely not going to stick at catcher then C+ or B- makes perfect sense. I just dont know how anyone could come to that conclusion at this point.

Id do B- at most for Streiby. Im just not as confident in his bat as you and I think he definitely profiles as a DH. For a DH, I just dont project him as anything other than a run of the mill option.

by alskor on Jan 1, 2026 7:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, KG had some negatives

One scout called Avila a “maxed-out prospect,” as he’s not athletic, even for a catcher. He’s slow to the point of being a base-clogger, he doesn’t move well behind the plate, and he needs to improve his receiving skills. He needs to learn how to shorten his swing when behind in the count, and he’ll likely always rack up a high strikeout rate.

I have no idea if he sticks or not, but there seems to be an argument against Avila.

by jar75 on Jan 1, 2026 7:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs