Zach Swanson’s upcoming debut is one of the most buzzed-about events in the minor leagues this season. As another promising right-hander in the Detroit Tigers’ collection of prep pitchers, Swanson’s journey has been marked by both potential and setbacks.
Drafted with the hope of tapping into high-end pitching talent, the Tigers have taken a gamble by selecting multiple prep pitchers for overslot bonuses. It’s a long-term strategy, and while the risks have been significant, the potential rewards could be game-changing.
The next few years will be crucial to see if this approach pays off or if the Tigers might shift their focus back to JUCO and college junior pitchers.
Swanson, drafted in the ninth round in 2024, was offered late third-round money to skip his commitment to Oregon State. A product of Toutle High School in Washington, Swanson fits the profile of the Pacific Northwest pitchers the Tigers have been scouting heavily.
Standing at 6’3”, he was a standout on the national senior circuit, despite an inconsistent final high school season. When on his game, Swanson displayed the makings of a powerful pitcher.
His athletic background, including a stint in basketball, suggests he has the agility to refine his mechanics and develop a repeatable delivery.
His fastball, clocking in at 95-96 mph, typically sits in the 92-94 mph range. It’s complemented by a high-spin slider, reaching up to 2800 RPMs.
This slider, with its two-plane movement, shows flashes of becoming a plus breaking ball. While his curveball and changeup need refinement, the potential is there.
The Tigers are likely focused on refining Swanson’s mechanics, particularly raising his arm angle and improving his stride. In high school, his delivery was simple but required a lot of upper body effort, leading to control issues.
Drawing comparisons to former Tigers pitcher Alex Faedo, Swanson is seen as having more athletic potential and velocity projection. While there’s risk he might end up in a relief role, his development journey is just beginning.
After the 2024 draft, Swanson started working with the Tigers before a UCL tear sidelined him for the 2025 season. With surgery behind him, there’s hope he’ll return to action by May or June, possibly in the Complex League or in Lakeland, depending on his rehab progress. It’s been nearly two years since Swanson last pitched, and his return will be closely watched to see how he’s developed physically during his time off.
The Tigers have been aggressive in drafting prep pitchers, but injuries have been a persistent issue. Meanwhile, their success with college and JUCO pitchers like Troy Melton and Jaden Hamm suggests a potential shift in strategy.
For Swanson, the focus is on making strides in his physical development and command. His fastball and slider offer a tantalizing glimpse of what could be, but he needs to start bridging the gap between potential and performance.
As Swanson prepares for his pro debut, the Tigers and their fans are eager to see how he’s grown and what adjustments he’s made. It’s a waiting game, but the hope is that Swanson emerges as a stronger, more refined pitcher, ready to tackle the challenges ahead and fulfill the promise that made him a sought-after draft pick.