The Detroit Tigers are looking a lot more formidable this season, thanks in part to their promising positional prospects. Last year, they lacked that depth, especially among hitters.
Enter Max Anderson, a standout infielder who’s turning heads after a breakout 2025 at Double-A. He’s had an impressive spring camp, showing he’s nearly ready to make an impact with the Tigers.
Anderson, a 24-year-old right-handed hitter, was the Tigers’ second-round pick in the 2023 draft. They snagged him right after selecting Max Clark and Kevin McGonigle, and it seems they made a savvy choice.
Although Anderson isn’t the most athletic player, his hitting ability is undeniable. He excelled in college and has maintained a high average with low strikeouts in the minors.
Primarily a second baseman, he’s been honing his defensive skills, though his range and speed are limited. Still, his profile is reminiscent of Gleyber Torres, suggesting that as long as Anderson keeps hitting, the Tigers will find a spot for him, whether at second, third, or even first base.
While Anderson has shown impressive exit velocities, his game power didn’t fully materialize during his 2024 debut in A-ball. Known for his free-swinging style, he needed to become more selective and focus on pulling pitches he could drive.
In 2025, he made strides in that direction, hitting .306/.358/.499 with 14 home runs in 405 plate appearances at Double-A. His strikeout rate was a solid 14.6%, complemented by a 6.9% walk rate.
A late-season move to Triple-A Toledo saw him add five more homers, bringing his total to 19 for the year. His performance against left-handed pitching was particularly strong, although he posted a respectable .767 OPS against right-handers.
Anderson’s ability to adjust was evident as he started pulling more balls to left field, showcasing his excellent hand-eye coordination. He moderated his crouch, allowing for better mobility in the box without increasing his strikeouts. His late-season run in Toledo demonstrated sustained power and a better-than-average strikeout rate.
In spring training, Anderson has continued to hold his own, refining his defensive game to be playable at both second and third base. While he hasn’t completely cut down on chasing pitches, he’s become more adept at hunting pitches he can drive early in counts. This approach enhances his potential as a solid major league hitter, particularly against left-handers.
Anderson’s next step is to consolidate his gains and improve his zone discipline. Although he’s not on the 40-man roster yet and will be Rule 5 eligible next fall, his refined defensive skills and hitting prowess make him an attractive option for the Tigers, or even as a trade piece.
The Tigers have kept Anderson in major league camp for much of the spring, and he’s set to travel to Colorado for the final exhibition games. He’ll start the season in Toledo, but with the Tigers’ left-handed infield depth, opportunities could arise for him to step into a regular role.
A significant infield injury could pave the way for his debut this year, and if not, it’s likely he’ll get a shot sometime this summer. Anderson’s development is a storyline to watch as the Tigers aim to capitalize on his potential.