DETROIT – Let’s face it: The Detroit Tigers’ slim playoff hopes died over the weekend when they lost all three games to the Chicago White Sox.
After pulling within one game of a wild card spot, the Tigers collapsed last week, losing five of six games, including three by scores of 19-0, 12-2 and 14-0 — all against different opponents.
It was fun to see the Tigers play meaningful baseball in September, but now, as they sit 5.5 games out of the race, our attention turns back toward the future.
Even though the Tigers won’t be playing in the postseason, 2020 will be remembered as the year the rebuild started turning into the next phase of competitive baseball in Detroit. Five of the team’s top eight preseason prospects have gotten major playing time, and several pieces for the future have emerged along the way.
Which of these players are in it for the long haul? Here’s a look at the top 10 players on the current roster, ranked based on how likely they are to be part of the team’s long-term future.
10. Daz Cameron
2020 stats: 1-20, 8 K, 1 BB, 2 RBI
Contract status: Under team control through at least 2026 season
It’s not a surprise to see Daz Cameron struggling at the plate to begin his MLB career. He’s only 23 years old and hasn’t yet mastered Triple-A pitching, so some growing pains are expected.
He’s already showing off his elite speed and defense in the outfield, though, and his first MLB hit was a two-out, two-run knock off of Cy Young candidate Lucas Giolito. It’s easy to see why Cameron is considered one of the team’s top 10 prospects.
While he’s playing right field this season, Cameron’s future is likely in center, where he can utilize his speed. If he can cut down on the strikeouts and tap into his power, he has a chance to be a leadoff hitter someday. If not, he’ll be a bottom-of-the-order bat with some speed and power to compliment his defensive abilities.
