Embed from Getty Images The Detroit Tigers filled a huge organizational need when they took Arizona State 1B Spencer Torkelson with the first pick in the 2020 MLB draft. Tigers general manager Al Avila can now focus on day two with needs still to fill.
The Detroit Tigers drafted pitchers in the first round throughout four consecutive drafts from 2015 to 2018. The organization has stockpiled some big arms. That may not stop them from adding another with the teams second round draft pick.
If the Tigers do invest in another arm, Mississippi State right handed pitcher JT Ginn could be a name to watch. During his freshman year in 2019, JT made 17 starts and had a strong year, posting a 3.13 ERA while throwing 86.1 innings with 19 walks, just one home run allowed, and he struck out 105 batters. His 1.05 WHIP really stands out.
While COVID-19 shut many things down, it was an injury Ginn sustained that shutdown his 2020 season. The talented pitcher had Tommy John surgery in early March and will miss any baseball that takes place this year as he rehabs. Ginn still has very good upside.
The Tigers could choose to add another position and play of need in catcher. Ohio State product, Dillon Dingler is a player to watch. Dingler is a big, solid defensive catcher who gets good marks for his arm and athleticism. Dillion’s bat is the question.
The question Detroit would have is hitting .244/.332/.369 as a freshman, to an improved to .291/.392/.424 as a sophomore, and was off to a .340/.404/.760 start in 13 games this year before things were called enough to take him high in round two? There are scouts who believe Dingler is a late bloomer and can hit at the MLB level.
One more player who could interest the rebuilding Tigers is LSU-OF Daniel Cabrera. During Cabrera’s sophomore season in 2019, the outfielder had a slash line of .284/.359/.516 with 12 home runs and 50 RBIs. He was tied for the team lead in home runs and third in RBIs. However he will need to clean up the 54 strikeouts.
Many believe he will cut down on the strikeouts and scouts agree, Cabrera is equipped to hit for average and power. He has a smooth left handed swing and does not try to do too much at the plate, letting his bat speed and the loft in his stroke create natural pop.
There could be other names the Tigers are looking at. For a team looking to speed the rebuild up. The Detroit Tigers could do worse than one of the three names mentioned.