The Tigers have four prospects on MLB Pipeline’s latest Top 100 list, including an MLB-best three in the top 25, led by potential five-tool outfielder Max Clark.
Clark, the third overall pick in last year’s MLB Draft, sits at No. 13 on Pipeline’s list. Colt Keith, who might not qualify as a prospect for much longer if he makes Detroit’s Opening Day lineup as hoped, sits at No. 22. Right-hander Jackson Jobe, riding the momentum of a dominant second half last season and a strong Arizona Fall League, sits at No. 25.
Clark rose two spots from the previous list after posting a .760 OPS in 23 games between the rookie-level Florida Complex League and Single-A Lakeland, helping the latter to the Florida State League playoffs. He tripled in his pro debut on July 29 and then doubled and homered in his next game a few days later. But it’s his overall toolset, including 70-grade speed and a strong defensive profile in center field that raises his potential to become an all-around impact player in the Major Leagues, perhaps a bit sooner than anticipated. While the 19-year-old will likely start the upcoming season back with the Flying Tigers, he could soon advance to High-A West Michigan.
Keith, a fifth-round pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, rose from No. 25 in last year’s rankings. He’s the only Tigers prospect in the Top 100 who wasn’t a first-round selection. However, he has the chance to make the most immediate impact in Detroit if he can build on his breakout 2023 campaign and stake his claim in Spring Training to a regular role at second or third base. The 22-year-old batted .306 with 38 doubles, 27 home runs, 101 RBIs and a .932 OPS last year between Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo. His production at the plate came with a disciplined approach, including an 11.6 percent walk rate and 19.3 percent strikeout rate over 67 games at Triple-A.
Jobe was one of the highest-rising prospects in the rankings, jumping 29 spots from 2023. It reflects the mercurial nature of his season, which began with him on the injured list recovering from back issues. He didn’t pitch in a game until June 17 and had to work his way back into form before returning to West Michigan at the end of July. Once he settled in with the Whitecaps, he cruised through his final four starts with a 2.05 ERA and a 28-to-0 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 22 innings. A late promotion to Erie was more of the same, with six scoreless innings on four hits, no walks and six strikeouts. His high-spin slider, the pitch that propelled him up Draft boards in 2021, was again filthy, but he enhanced his repertoire by polishing his changeup and adding a cutter.
The 21-year-old Jobe is expected to be part of Major League camp this Spring Training before returning to Erie. The Tigers will be careful with his innings, but he could well put himself on Detroit’s doorstep by season’s end.
Jung rose seven spots from last year’s rankings after a 28-homer season between West Michigan and Erie, helping lead the latter to its first-ever Eastern League title. He hit .265 between the two stops, supplemented by 79 walks in 128 games for a .376 on-base percentage and a .878 OPS. If he can build on that this year, he could put himself in position to make his Major League debut later in the year.