Detroit Tigers Well Represented in AL Central Top 20 Prospects
In this story:
The Detroit Tigers have one of the best farm systems in Major League Baseball entering 2026, ranked third according to MLB executives behind the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Seattle Mariners. These prospects are what the front office is banking on being successful, carrying Detroit into the future.
If you like our content, choose Sports Illustrated as a preferred source on Google.
Looking at some of the prospects who stand out for the Tigers, several of them represent Detroit in CBS Sports' Top 20 AL Central prospects, according to R.J. Anderson. Of the five teams that represent the division, the Tigers make up 25% of the listing.
1. Kevin McGonigle, Ranked #1
The clear top prospect in the AL Central and the American League as is, ranked as the second-best prospect in Major League Baseball, Kevin McGonigle, stands at the top of the prospect rankings by CBS Sports.
McGonigle is projected to make his debut sometime in 2026; whether or not he begins on the opening day roster depends on how well he performs during spring training. Climbing the ranks quickly through the Tigers' system, McGonigle has natural talent that will make him a superstar one day.
2. Max Clark, Ranked #2
Right behind McGonigle is the Tigers' top outfield prospect, Max Clark, ranking as the eighth-best prospect in the MLB Top 100. Clark, similar to McGonigle, climbed the ranks of Detroit's farm system, but is projected to make his debut in one year as he continues to hone his craft. Potentially a September call-up.
Last season through the minors, the former third overall pick hit .271 at the plate with 14 home runs, 67 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases. He also walked more times than he struck out (94/90), something that's needed at the major league level.
3. Bryce Rainer, Ranked #9
In 35 games played in the minors before getting injured and shut down for the remainder of the season, Bryce Rainer showcased why he's going to be important for Detroit's infield in the future. Rainer as shortstop and McGonigle at second base could be the future of the Tigers franchise.
Rainer is projected to be ready for spring training, as Tigers fans will eagerly head to Tigertown to watch these prospects.
4. Troy Melton, Ranked #10
Another back-to-back ranking for Tigers prospects, Troy Melton comes in ranked 10th. The difference between Melton and the others is that he's already made his MLB debut, and he's likely to continue to be a factor at the MLB-level for Detroit in 2026.
His first season saw Melton pitch in 16 games with four starts, earning a 2.76 ERA with 36 strikeouts. Melton's versatility will come in handy for AJ Hinch; if you need him in the rotation, he'll be there, and if you need him in the bullpen, give him the ball in high-leverage situations. He'll have to limit the home run ball, but that's to be expected with young pitchers.
5. Josue Briceño, Ranked #16
MLB's 33rd-ranked prospect, Josue Briceño, makes the AL Central Top 20 ranked at spot 16. Briceño had 20 home runs last season across A+ and Double-A, with 76 RBIs and an AVG of .266 with an OPS of .883.
Briceño will likely be a Tiger come 2027, but that doesn't take away from the nice minor league career he's had so far. Going into the new season, Detroit has leverage for the future with these prospects on the rise, some arriving sooner than later.
