The Detroit Tigers took their time, but they have finally announced the rosters for their Double-A and High-A affiliates. This spring, the organization opted to keep most of last year’s Double-A players at the same level rather than promoting them to Triple-A. The only notable exception was infielder Hao-Yu Lee, who has already moved up to Triple-A. With that decision made, the rest of the roster placements fell into place fairly predictably.
Starting with the top prospects, center fielder Max Clark, shortstop Kevin McGonigle, and catcher Josue Briceño will begin the season at High-A West Michigan. Meanwhile, catcher Thayron Liranzo, right-handed pitcher Jaden Hamm, and right-handed pitcher Troy Melton will be key players for the Double-A Erie SeaWolves. Most of the other roster moves were expected, though the Low-A Lakeland Flying Tigers have yet to release their lineup. The Tigers will likely distribute prospects between the Flying Tigers and the Complex League when it starts in May. As usual, the organization is expected to be cautious with young pitchers, likely delaying their assignments until later in the seas
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The placement of last year’s top three draft picks—shortstop Bryce Rainer, right-hander Owen Hall, and left-hander Ethan Schiefelbein—remains uncertain. Given the Tigers’ tendency to carefully manage young pitchers in their first year of professional baseball, Hall and Schiefelbein will likely participate in extended spring training before making their Complex League debuts in May or June. If all goes well, they could get some starts with Low-A Lakeland later in the summer.
As for Rainer, he made an impressive professional debut during the Spring Breakout game against the Atlanta Braves’ farm system in mid-March. Based on that performance, he seems ready to start the season with the Flying Tigers, though the organization may initially place him in the Complex League to monitor his progress before assigning him to full-season ball.
The Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens kicked off their season last Friday, while the other three affiliates are set to begin play on Friday, April 4.
The SeaWolves will rely on a strong pitching staff, led by Hamm and Melton. Right-hander Joseph Montalvo adds depth to the rotation, while left-hander Jake Miller, who had a breakout 2024 season, is an intriguing bullpen prospect. Right-hander RJ Petit is another solid relief option for manager Andrew Graham.
On the infield, shortstop Jim Jarvis and second baseman Max Anderson stand out, supported by experienced minor leaguers Jake Holton, Carlos Mendoza, Danny Serretti, and Trei Cruz.
In the outfield, Roberto Campos advances from High-A West Michigan to Double-A in his age-22 season. Meanwhile, Justice Bigbie, who struggled at the Triple-A level, has been sent back to Erie in hopes of regaining his form.
