Casey Mize (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
The Tigers will likely call up Casey Mize before the seasons ends.
14 games into the season, the Detroit Tigers are one of the MLB’s biggest surprises so far. They currently hold a record of 9-5 and sit only half a game off the Minnesota Twins for first place in the division.
After finishing with a league-worst 47 wins in 2019, no one was expecting anything from the Tigers in 2020. In a shortened season, getting off to a hot start is more important than ever. With the extended playoff format this season, the Tigers are already contenders for one of those spots.
It’s August 10th and the Detroit Tigers are in 1st place in the American League Central.
— Jeff Riger (@riger1984) August 11, 2020
The main issue the Tigers have had has been on the mound. While Spencer Turnbell and Ivan Nova have been solid, Matthew Boyd, Michael Fulmer and Daniel Norris have struggled in their starts. This begs the question, is it time for the Tigers to call up the MLB’s eighth-ranked prospect Casey Mize?
The answer: not quite. It is still very early in the season and the Tigers have shown that they may have what it takes to contend for a playoff spot. If the starting pitching continues to struggle late into August, then is the time to make the move for Mize.
Is Mize ready to make the jump to the majors?
At 23, Mize will likely be making his way to the MLB at some point this season. After being selected first overall in the 2018 MLB Draft, he will have lofty expectations when he eventually does make his MLB debut. At this point in the season, the Tigers also don’t have to worry about the constant service time debate, as they’ll get the extra year of control if they call him up from here on out.
Mize has excellent control of three pitches, a fastball, a cutter and a wipeout splitter. He’s able to hit around 95 miles per hour on his fastball, which is more than enough with the stuff he has. In 2019 between A+ and AA, Mize went 8-3 with a 2.55 ERA. In 109 total innings, he finished with an impressive 106 strikeouts.
When Mize makes the jump the MLB, he’ll be ready to compete. As one of the most promising prospects in the league, everyone is waiting to see what Mize can do in the majors.