Four Tigers Prospects to Watch Closely This Spring - Breakout Potential Is Brewing in Detroit
Spring training is always a time for hope and hype, but for the Detroit Tigers, it’s also a showcase of what’s quietly become one of the deeper farm systems in baseball. President of Baseball Operations Scott Harris has made it clear: some of the organization’s top prospects aren’t just here to get reps-they’re here to compete for real roles in 2026.
That means we’ll be seeing a mix of highly touted names and under-the-radar risers trying to make their mark. Whether it’s a skill that’s leveled up, a leap in production, or simply a player forcing his way into the conversation, breakout seasons come in all shapes. And this spring, four young Tigers stand out as prime candidates to grab the spotlight.
Let’s take a closer look at the names to know as camp gets underway.
Max Anderson - Can He Lock Down the Hot Corner?
Max Anderson came into last season viewed as a solid, if unspectacular, infield prospect-likely destined for a utility role. But he’s done plenty to change that narrative.
After tearing it up at Double-A Erie, Anderson held his own at Triple-A Toledo, finishing with a respectable .749 OPS. That alone might not have turned heads, but then came the Arizona Fall League-and Anderson didn’t just perform, he dominated. His 1.418 OPS led the league, outpacing even fellow Tigers standout Kevin McGonigle by more than 200 points.
That kind of production doesn’t happen by accident. Anderson showed an ability to barrel up the baseball consistently, and his plate discipline took a noticeable step forward. If he carries that momentum into spring training, he’s not just a name to watch-he’s a legitimate candidate to push for a starting job at third base when the season opens.
Ty Madden - A Comeback Season in the Making
Detroit’s farm system has plenty of talent, but pitching depth remains a concern-especially with the long-term futures of Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, and Casey Mize up in the air beyond this season.
That’s what makes Ty Madden such an intriguing piece. Once considered a fast-rising arm in the system, Madden hit a wall in 2024 at Triple-A, posting a 6.98 ERA.
But even in that rough stretch, the underlying numbers-particularly his strikeout and walk rates-suggested there was still something to work with. He even got a taste of the majors, logging 23 innings out of the bullpen.
Unfortunately, just when he was expected to take a step forward last spring, a rotator cuff injury wiped out his entire 2025 season.
Now, he’s back. And if Madden looks healthy this spring, the Tigers will be watching closely.
At 26, he’s at a critical juncture in his development. A strong camp could reestablish him as a potential rotation piece-not just for 2026, but as a long-term option in a staff that may need reinforcements sooner rather than later.
Eduardo Valencia - The Bat-First Catcher Making Noise
Every spring, there’s always a player who comes in under the radar and forces his way into the conversation. Eduardo Valencia might be that guy for the Tigers this year.
Signed out of Venezuela for just $10,000 back in 2018, Valencia has battled injuries throughout his career. But 2025 was the year he finally stayed on the field-and he made it count. Splitting time between Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo, he played in 103 games and absolutely mashed: a .311/.382/.559 slash line with 24 home runs.
That kind of production will always get attention, even if his future position remains a bit of a question mark. Though listed as a catcher, Valencia spent more time at first base last season, and with Josue Briceño and Thayron Liranzo ahead of him behind the plate, that might be where he sticks.
Still, if he keeps hitting like that, the Tigers will find a place for his bat. And with Spencer Torkelson coming off an up-and-down year, Valencia’s performance this spring could put some real pressure on the depth chart at first.
Dylan Smith - A Bullpen Sleeper With Big Upside
Dylan Smith’s 2025 season was a whirlwind-starting in High-A West Michigan and finishing in the majors. That kind of rise doesn’t happen without some serious flashes of potential.
A former starter, Smith transitioned to the bullpen last year and saw immediate results. In the minors, he posted a dominant 37.7% strikeout rate and a 2.27 ERA.
That earned him a call-up, where he logged 13 innings with the big club. The strikeouts didn’t carry over-his K-rate dropped to just 8.3%-but the raw stuff is there.
With Detroit’s bullpen still in flux and several optionable arms in the mix, Smith has a real shot to carve out a role. If he can replicate his minor league dominance this spring, he could emerge as a valuable piece in the Tigers’ relief corps-or at the very least, position himself as one of the first names called when reinforcements are needed.
Final Thoughts
The Tigers are entering 2026 with cautious optimism-and that optimism is rooted in a farm system that’s starting to bear fruit. Max Anderson, Ty Madden, Eduardo Valencia, and Dylan Smith each bring something different to the table, but all four are worth watching closely this spring.
Breakouts don’t always come with fireworks. Sometimes, it’s about consistency.
Sometimes, it’s about health. And sometimes, it’s about a player refusing to be ignored.
For these four, spring training is more than just a tune-up-it’s a chance to change the conversation.