Detroit Tigers

BA Grade/Risk: 50/High

Track Record: Olson was originally drafted as the Brewers' 13th-round pick in 2018 before being traded to the Tigers at the 2021 trade deadline for lefthander Daniel Norris. Prior to making the move to Detroit, Olson booked 14 starts with High-A Wisconsin, where he posted 10.3 strikeouts per nine innings over 69 frames. Following the Tigers' acquisition of Olson, they assigned him to High-A West Michigan, where he received a promotion to Double-A Erie after just 11 innings. The Tigers returned Olson to Erie in 2022, where he spent the entire season. He completed his Double-A campaign with 168 strikeouts--good for ninth-most in the minor leagues--over 119.2 innings with 2.9 walks per nine innings.

Scouting Report: Olson features a four-pitch mix that grades above-average to plus, with added room for development across the board. There is some concern surrounding Olson's history of inconsistent command, but the improvement he showed in 2022 led to optimism for his development track. Olson leads his arsenal with an above-average changeup with fade, one of two very strong secondary offerings with an ability to produce weak groundball contact and plenty of swing-and-miss. Next up is a sweeping low-80s slider that Olson shows the most confidence in because of its proven ability against righthanded hitters. His go-to offering against lefthanded hitters is a high-70s curveball. Olson is still developing deception with his mid-90s fastball, a pitch that could tick up as he fills out.

The Future: After Olson showcased his arsenal in 2022, there remains some debate as to whether he will stick in a rotation or face a move to the bullpen. But the proven quality of his pitch mix has established the righthander as a future multi-inning reliever at the very least.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55. Curveball: 45. Slider: 55. Changeup: 55. Control: 45

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: In a year where the Tigers had a number of hitters struggle, Meadows was a development success story. The younger brother of Pirates 2013 first-round pick Austin Meadows, Parker's development seemed stuck heading into 2022. He was sent back to High-A West Michigan for a third year. But this time, he quickly hit his way to Double-A Erie while showing improvement in nearly every facet at the plate. He was sent to the Arizona Fall League to wrap up the year.

Scouting Report: Meadows moves extremely well for a 6-foot-5 outfielder. He's a 65 runner on the 20-to-80 scouting scale and makes solid reads and takes direct routes in center field, where he is a plus defender with a plus arm. As a hitter, Meadows worked to shorten up his swing and it paid off in improved contact and better power when he did make contact. His 20 home runs easily doubled his previous career high. Meadows' defense and speed mean that if he's a fringe-average hitter with average power, he can be a productive regular.

The Future: If Meadows can further build on his impressive improvements in 2022, he could finish 2023 in line for a spot in the Tigers' outfield. His combination of speed, defense and improved power makes him one of the team's more intriguing position prospects. Expect the Tigers to return Meadows to Erie to start the year, but he could spend a good bit of the season with Triple-A Toledo.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 45. Power: 50. Speed: 65. Fielding: 60. Arm: 60.

BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme

Track Record: After making a push to increase their presence on the international market, the Tigers landed Santana for a team-record bonus of $2.95 million during the 2021 international signing period. After an impressive debut in the Dominican Summer League where he slashed .269/.421/.520 in 2021, he struggled after an aggressive promotion to Low-A Lakeland in 2022. He hit .215/.384/.374 while splitting time at second base and shortstop.

Scouting Report: Santana remains one of the Tigers' highest-ceiling position prospects as a teenager who has a solid understanding of the strike zone and developing power to potentially be an above-average hitter with above-average power. Santana has already proven to have an advanced approach at the plate, complimented by a pretty Alfonso Soirano-ish swing and mature pitch recognition. After a brutal first two months where he was bothered by an oblique injury, Santana hit .244/.411/.429 from July 1 til the end of the season. Defensively, Santana projects as a future average infielder with advanced footwork and instincts beyond his years. Santana's arm is average, but has balanced it out with his quickness, light footwork and natural ability to navigate the infield with ease.

The Future: As with many of the young prospects within the Tigers' farm system, Santana's path is going to take time to come to fruition. Still just 19 years old, the Tigers are likely to start Santana back in Lakeland for the 2023 season, and could see West Michigan the same year.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 55. Power: 55. Speed: 50. Fielding: 50. Arm: 50.

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: After leaving Cuba at the age of 16 to train in the Dominican Republic, Campos signed him for $2.85 million in 2019, the largest international signing bonus the Tigers handed out that year and the sixth most in the class. Campos showed power in his debut in the Florida Complex League in 2021. Promoted to Low-A Lakeland for 2022, Campos lowered his strikeout rate and strung together better at-bats, but also saw his power production dip. His season was better than it appears. The Florida State League's average slugging percentage was .361.

Scouting Report: Campos has the physical and athletic build to be a future power hitter. Combining bat speed and raw strength, Campos drives the ball to all fields, but he didn't hit the ball in the air nearly as often in 2022, which explains the dip in his power production. Campos is currently a center fielder, but he's an average runner who will likely slow down further in the future. He has an above-average arm that should fit in right or left field.

The Future: Campos' power production may have dipped, but he has the potential to be a productive corner outfielder, especially if he gets more comfortable with lofting the ball in hitters' counts. Campos should head to spring training competing for a spot at High-A West Michigan. Even if he doesn't start the season there, he should reach the Midwest League before too long.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 50. Power: 55. Speed: 45. Fielding: 50. Arm: 55.

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: The Tigers were enamored with Pacheco's power potential to the point that they were willing to accept some risk as far as his contact ability. Despite some swing-and-miss concerns, the appeal of natural, raw power has always been difficult to overlook. At 6-4, 225 pounds, Pacheco was selected 39th overall as the Tigers' 2021 second-round pick for $2.75 million. The 18-year-old shortstop was in the mix about a month later, making his debut with the Florida Complex League Tigers in July. Over 30 games, Pacheco slashed .226/.339/.330 with seven extra-base hits. Entering the 2022 season at 20 years old, Pacheco split the year between Class A Lakeland and High-A West Michigan, slashing a combined .254/.331/.408 with 36 extra-base hits.

Scouting Report: Still just 20 years old, Pacheco has plenty of physical projection remaining. Like many young developing power hitters, Pacheco has some contact issues, but mainly because he expands the strike zone too much rather than missing hittable strikes. Pacheco's swing produces plus raw power with plenty of natural loft and solid bat speed. Defensively, the Tigers have moved Pacheco to third base primarily. The speed of the game sometimes seemed too much for him at shortstop and his range was limited. He's more effective at third base where he has a plus arm and a decent first step. His offensive profile should be fine at third base long-term.

The Future: With his first full-season campaign behind him, Pacheco's highly improved pitch recognition has him positioned for an impact season in 2023. Likely to begin the regular season with High-A West Michigan, Pacheco should move quickly, as long as his offensive production and continuing maturation can keep up with the pace.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 50. Power: 55. Speed: 45. Fielding: 55. Arm: 60.

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: The Tigers dipped into the Braves' surplus of starting pitching prospects to acquire Wentz in 2019 at the trade deadline in exchange for Shane Greene. Soon thereafter he suffered an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery. He returned to action in May 2021. He suffered a left shoulder strain in 2022, but he did throw 86 innings and made his MLB debut on May 11.

Scouting Report: Wentz has long been known as a soft-tossing lefty who tries to keep hitters off balance by mixing his pitches. He added an average cutter in 2022, which gives him a harder breaking ball (81-84 mph) that he can consistently throw for strikes. Wentz' fringe-average four-seam fastball touches 95-96, but he sits 91-93. He works up in the zone with his fastball, while the cutter works in on righthanded hitters and down and away from lefties. Wentz's fringe-average slow 73-77 mph curveball and average low-80s changeup are effective when he's tickling the black with them. Both are more chase pitches than swing-and-miss offerings. Wentz's control is fringe-average although he has better command than that. He doesn't have the stuff to sit in the zone, so he has to nibble.

The Future: After a successful return from Tommy John surgery, Wentz looks ready to handle a back-of-the-rotation role as a lefty with plenty of guile.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 45. Cutter: 50. Curveball: 50. Changeup: 55. Control: 50.

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: A Padres 18th-round pick out of high school, Smith raised his draft stock by going to Alabama, where he gained strength and earned a spot in the weekend rotation. After being picked in the third round in 2021, Smith made his pro debut in 2022, pitching effectively at High-A West Michigan. His nickname growing up was the Real Deal, a nickname his West Michigan manager Brayan Pena says he won't use until Smith reaches the majors.

Scouting Report: Smith arrived at Alabama weighing 160 pounds. He's worked at gaining weight and strength and now is considerably heavier than his listed 180 pounds. That and better use of his lower half has paid off in improved velocity to go with above-average control. He can touch 97 mph now and sits 92-94 with his average fastball. It doesn't have exceptional movement, but he has plus control of it. Smith's mid-to-high 80's slider with split tilt and is a potential plus pitch. Smith's changeup is still a work in progress, although with more use, it projects as a future average pitch. His slurvy upper-70's curve is a fringe-average pitch as well.

The Future: Smith has steadily improved, but with a quick arm and a solid frame he could continue to add to his stuff. He projects as a useful back-end starter.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 50. Curveball: 45. Slider: 60. Changeup: 50. Control: 55.

BA Grade/Risk: 40/Medium

Track Record: A shortstop earlier in his career at Tennessee, Lipcius moved to third base in his draft year, and has shown versatility as a pro, adding second base to his array of positions. Detroit took the nuclear engineering major as their third-round pick in 2019. Lipcius has proven to be a productive infielder who knows how to pester pitchers and hit for average.

Scouting Report: Lipcius is a lean, athletic 6-1, 190 pounds with advanced hand-eye coordination. He's a polished contact hitter who knows how to spray the ball and get on base. He will show flashes of power, something that was a bigger part of his game in college. He does have enough pop to pile up doubles and should hit 10-15 home runs a year. Lipcius still plays third base more than second, but he's a fringe-average defender at either spot with an above-average arm. Lipcius has slow feet, but he has solid instincts, good hands. He slows the game down and is reliable.

The Future: Players with Lipcius' hitting ability, upper level success and versatility usually find a way to carve out major league careers. He may never be a regular, but his ability to get on base, hit for average and play solid defense at multiple infield spots could help him compete for playing time as soon as later in 2023. The Tigers added him to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, further solidifying his spot in their future plans.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 55. Power: 40. Speed: 40. Fielding: 50. Arm: 55.

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: Signed out of the Dominican Republic in the 2016 international draft class for $550,000, the progression of Wenceel Perez has been a curious story to follow. After spending 2017 in the Dominican Summer League, Perez dazzled the following year with a jump across three affiliates, including slashing .309/.324/.441 with Class A West Michigan. Between 2019 and 2021, Perez hit a snag at the plate and in the field, producing some rough defense from a once seemingly fluid infielder. Perez hit a new stride in 2022, earning a promotion to Double-A Erie where he slashed .307/.374/.540.

Scouting Report: One of the most confounding development stories within the Tigers' organization, Perez is once again proof that no prospect develops at the same pace. A confident, athletic infielder, Perez, at his strongest, is light of foot with polished hands and a mature first step. Although he spent the majority of his early years at shortstop, the Tigers have transitioned Perez to more work at second base, where he spent a good deal of his 2022 season. In addition to displaying more raw power in 2022, Perez produced more plate discipline by navigating from his previous tendency to chase deceptive pitching.

The Future: With his successes at the Double-A level, in addition to added defensive versatility, Perez could stand a return to Erie to start the 2023 season. Perez was added to the 40-man roster in the offseason.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 45. Power: 45. Speed: 60. Fielding: 50. Arm: 55.

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: After signing for $1 million in 2018, Englert was part of the Rangers ill-fated plan to shut all of their 2018 top pitching signees. Englert, like most of them, quickly blew out his elbow. He had Tommy John surgery early in the 2019 season, which means that he didn't make his actual pro debut until 2021, nearly three years after he signed. Englert threw seven-innings of a no-hitter in 2022, followed by six no-hit innings in his next start, but the no-hitter was broken up with two outs in the ninth. Englert was acquired by the Tigers as a Rule 5 pick.

Scouting Report: Englert baffles hitters with a wide array of pitches. He has two and four-seam 91-93 mph fastballs, a low-80s slider, a mid-70s curveball and a low-80s changeup. He can attack hitters with a sinker/slider approach or four-seam fastballs up in the zone mixed with curveballs. None of his pitches his plus, and only his changeup grades as above-average, but every one of these pitches is fringe-average to average and he has above-average control.

The Future: As a Rule 5 pick, Englert will have to make a big leap from less than 200 innings of MiLB experience and three starts of Double-A to the big leagues. His varied arsenal fits better as a No. 4 or No. 5 starter than it does as a reliever, but his short-term role more likely is as a long-man in the pen.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 50. Curveball: 45. Slider: 50. Changeup: 55. Control: 55

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: Melton was a draft eligible redshirt sophomore in 2021, but no team was going to meet his bonus demands at the end of a disappointing season that saw him go 4-5, 6.13 with a .291 opponents average. That proved to be a wise choice for Melton. He finished his marketing degree and blossomed after shortening his arm action. He went 5-2, 2.07 as the Aztecs ace. He barely pitched after signing, making two brief appearances in September.

Scouting Report: Melton sits 93-95 mph and will touch 98 with his above-average fastball. While he has started to fill out, there's still the potential for additional strength gains. Melton has added a low-90s sinker as well that gives hitters another fastball to worry about. Melton mixes in a mid-80s, fringe-average slider with late break that could strengthen with more use. His final offering is an 87-88 mph changeup that projects as a future average offering. Melton's new shorter arm action improved his ability to repeat his delivery, which has helped him improve his control as well. He slashed his walk rate from 8.8% of hitters in 2021 to 5.6% of hitters in 2022.

The Future: After taking a cautious approach to start his pro career, Melton should be ready for a full season of work in 2023. He could begin the season in the warmth of Low-A Lakeland, but should spend most of the year at High-A West Michigan.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55. Slider: 45. Changeup: 50. Control: 50

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: After navigating a pandemic just after transferring to Central Florida, Josh Crouch was able to find his stride with the Golden Knights the following year, slashing a team-best .311/.435/.574 and pushing him onto the Tigers' draft radar. The collegiate defensive standout was selected as Detroit's 11th-round pick that same year for $125,000. Crouch received accolades across the organization for his work behind the plate, including a climb through three levels in 2022.

Scouting Report: Crouch has quickly established himself as one of the best defensive catchers in the organization, with only Dillon Dingler rivaling him as a receiver. At the plate, Crouch has quickly come into his own, including dropping his strikeout percentage nearly 10 percentage points between Low-A Lakeland and High-A West Michigan. Combining a sharp eye he has worked to develop from behind the plate, Crouch continues to string together good at-bats, although his power is still hit or miss. Defensively, Crouch boasts a plus arm, which helps him shut down running games. He's thrown out 31% of basestealers for his career.

The Future: Crouch has looked like a steal so far as a late-round pick. His initial assignment in 2022 may depend in part on him and in part on where Dingler begins the season, but he should spend a good part of the season at Double-A Erie.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 50. Power: 40. Speed: 35. Fielding: 55. Arm: 55.

BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme

Track Record: One of Detroit's top signings during the 2019 international signing period, Sequera didn't get to make his pro debut until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic, but he used the layoff to get bigger and stronger. Sequera's 11 home runs led the Florida Complex League in 2021. This year, he fell one short of going back-to-back on home run titles, as his 19 home runs were second best in the Florida State League, one behind Carlos Dominguez.

Scouting Report: A physical player with a broad-shouldered power hitter's build, Sequera's swing is geared to consistently get to that power. He has a significant leg kick and excellent rotational speed paired with a fluid swing. Sequera's top end exit velocities (106 mph) aren't all that spectacular, but he should continue to get stronger. Sequera has one glaring flaw at the plate that he has to improve. He currently swings at most anything and chases out of the zone way too often. If he gets a pitch in the zone, his above-average bat-to-ball skills are apparent, but he's too often swinging at unhittable pitches. His 22% strikeout rate is an impressive testament to those bat-to-ball skills considering his incredible aggressive approach. Defensively, Sequera has limited range and below-average speed. He started playing second and third base regularly, which are better fits than shortstop. His average arm should be able to handle either spot.

The Future: Sequera's 2022 season was better than the slash line may indicate. As a multi-position infielder with power potential, he has everyday regular potential. High-A West Michigan beckons.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 40. Power: 55. Speed: 40. Fielding: 50. Arm: 50.

BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme

Track Record: One of the more prominent signings in the Tigers' 2021 international class, Bastidas seemed overmatched at times in his pro debut. But to his credit he bounced back to produce a solid season in the Florida Complex League in 2022. The Venezuelan native had drawn high praise for his defensive profile, polished from his work with Cesar and Maicer Izturis.

Scouting Report: Astidas is a tall, lanky shortstop. He's skinny and fluid, so he may be able to be a taller-than-average shortstop, but he also has the potential to thicken up and turn into a more powerful third baseman. Currently, his lack of functional strength is apparent. He makes excellent swing decisions, but pitchers do not need to fear him as he barely has gap power at this point. Bastidas has a fluid swing from both sides of the plate with fringe-average power that is expected to develop as his physique fills out. Defensively, Bastidas has quick feet, a good first step, an accurate above-average arm and instincts well beyond his years for reading the ball off the bat. He's an above-average runner

The Future: Still 19 years old, there is no cause for Detroit to rush Bastidas. Based on his success, he'll likely begin 2023 with Low A Lakeland. He remains one of the Tigers' most promising young position prospects.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 55. Power: 45. Speed: 55. Fielding: 55. Arm: 55.

BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme

Track Record: The Tigers liked Reyes' projectable frame and natural strength enough to sign him for $1.45 million in 2018. Reyes torched the Dominican Summer League in 2019, hitting .331/.379/.508 with seven home runs and 48 RBIs. Since the pandemic, Reyes found himself overmatched in the Florida Complex League in 2021, but bounced back in a return to the FCL before struggling again after a late-season promotion to Low-A Lakeland.

Scouting Report: When you watch Reyes in action, it's easy to see how much the Tigers had to dream on. In addition to his pure strength, Reyes has an advanced approach that has proven able to drive the ball to all fields. His swing is often too long, but there is apparent power potential. Reyes improved his chase rate significantly in 2022, but it remains an issue. The Tigers moved Reyes to third base nearly full-time in August. There were some adjustment issues as he posted an .887 fielding percentage in 36 games there, but that is his likely long-term home, as his feet and average arm play better there.

The Future: Reyes is showing himself to be a player who needs to be promoted slowly, as he often requires some time at a level to acclimate himself before getting comfortable. His late-season stint at Lakeland should help prep him for a return there in 2023.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 40. Power: 50. Speed: 50. Fielding: 50. Arm: 50.

BA Grade/Risk: 40/High

Track Record: Hurter first grabbed attention as a sophomore with Georgia Tech in 2019 before suffering an elbow injury that led to Tommy John surgery. After missing the entirety of the 2020 season, Hurter worked his way back to commanding attention and landing as the Tigers' seventh-round selection in 2021. He didn't look fully recovered in 2021, but his stuff ticked back up in 2022. He climbed through three levels in a season that ended at Double-A Erie.

Scouting Report: Hurter is a massive presence on the mound as a 6-foot-6, 250-pound southpaw. At his best he pounds the zone with a 91-94 mph two-seam fastball and an above-average slider. His fastball was up 2-3 mph compared to where he was sitting in 2021. His low-80's slider produces swing-and-misses from hitters on both sides of the plate. Wrapping his arsenal, Hurter mixes in a mid-80's, tumbling changeup that he primarily uses against righthanders. It's primarily a chase pitch. Hurter is a strike-thrower who spots his fastball and slider around the zone.

The Future: With just four outings with Erie in 2022, Hurter will likely begin the 2023 season back with the SeaWolves for more exposure against upper-level hitters. His impressive 2022 season hints at his potential as a back-of-the-rotation starter.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 45. Slider: 55. Changeup: 50. Control: 55.

BA Grade/Risk: 45/Extreme

Track Record: The Tigers doubled down on Arizona State products in the 2020 draft. Spencer Torkelson was the team's first-round pick and Workman, his Sun Devils' teammate, was the team's fourth-round pick. Son of Padres' 1996 third-round pick Widd Workman, Workman struck out in 40% of plate appearances in 2022 and his 206 strikeouts were fourth most in the minors. Workman was sent to the Arizona Fall League to try to help finish the season on a high note, but he hit .193/.230/.386 with a 39% strikeout rate.

Scouting Report: Workman is a switch-hitter whose lefthanded swing has consistently been better and more consistent than his righthanded swing. He has above-average power from both sides of the plate. Workman's ability to hit to all fields, combined with his base-running savvy is praised, but unless he makes more contact, his otherwise well-rounded skill set won't get him to the majors. Workman struggles with chasing pitches out of the zone, but he also misses hittable pitches in the zone as well. He is extremely fluid defensively with soft hands, average range and an above-average arm that make him an average defender at third base. He's an average runner but is aggressive on the basepaths

The Future: Workman likely needs to return to Erie after struggling at the plate. He is going to need to make much more contact to have a shot at an MLB role, as MiLB players with his current strikeout rates almost always end up falling short.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 30. Power: 55. Speed: 50. Fielding: 50. Arm: 55.

BA Grade/Risk: 45/Extreme

Track Record: Osorio was the Tigers' top target in the 2022 international class. Just five months later he made his pro debut in the Dominican Summer League, but the speed of the game seemed a little much for Osorio. He hit .175/.281/.227 with just six extra-base hits, 12 RBIs and a 38% strikeout rate in 46 games. On back-to-back days Osorio went 0-for-5 with five strikeouts.

Scouting Report: As rough as his debut may have been, Osorio has an interesting blend of natural athleticism and abundant projection remaining in his lanky teenage frame. He just needs to get a lot stronger, which will help his bat speed and power continue to improve. He has a very whippy bat already, but should fill out. When he was an amateur, some scouts projected him to eventually have 20-home run potential. He has a shot to stay at shortstop with quick hands, solid athleticism and a plus arm. He's an above-average runner.

The Future: Osorio won't turn 18 until the end of 2023's spring training. His struggles in 2022 show he may benefit from a return to the Dominican Summer League to start 2023, although a strong first half could earn him a stateside debut later in the season.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 50. Power: 50. Speed: 55. Fielding: 50. Arm: 60.

BA Grade/Risk: 45/Extreme

Track Record: De La Cruz was a $1.8 million signing in 2018. He dazzled in his Dominican Summer League debut, slashing .307/.375/.556 with 11 home runs. That production has yet to make the trip to the States. In each of the past two seasons he has failed to hit .210 or post a .300 on-base percentage. He did hit 11 home runs in 2022.

Scouting Report: De La Cruz has drawn praise for his all-out style of play and despite his rough stat lines, there's still plenty of power potential. De La Cruz produces hard contact, thanks to his plus bat speed. But his 38% strikeout rate in the past two seasons has so far kept him from utilizing that plus power as much as he and the Tigers would hope. He struggles against righthanders. Defensively, De La Cruz boasts plus speed and a plus arm, which profiles well across the outfield. His power potential probably fits best in right field where he can continue to get bigger and stronger.

The Future: De La Cruz did show improvements in 2022, even if he still has a long ways to go at the plate. He should reach High-A West Michigan in 2023.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 40. Power: 55. Speed: 60. Fielding: 55. Arm: 60.

BA Grade/Risk: 40/High

Track Record: The son of big league catcher Eliezer Alfonzo, the younger Eliezer has always been moved slowly by the Tigers, but he's generally hit while drawing raves for his defense behind the plate. A 2016 signee out of Venezuela, Alfonso has hit over .300 in four out of five pro seasons, but he's generally been asked to repeat levels. He missed significant time in 2022 because of a thigh strain, a back injury and an elbow fracture.

Scouting Report: Drawing comparisons to former Tigers backstop Brayan Pena (now a Tigers MiLB manager), Alfonzo shows advanced maturity and impressive defensive chops. Defensively, Alfonzo moves more quickly than his solid frame would suggest and should continue to polish that as he trims his frame. His fringe-average arm plays up because of a quick release. Alfonzo's offensive profile has always been more of a concern. His swing can be a little choppy, but he has consistently performed. He's often been old for the levels he's played at, but he's a career .304/.370/.392 hitter. He makes good swing decisions and has solid bat-to-ball skills but below-average power.

The Future: The Tigers did not protect Alfonzo from the Rule 5 draft, figuring correctly that a Class A catcher would not merit much attention.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 55. Power: 40. Speed: 45. Fielding: 55. Arm: 45.