With pitchers and catchers due to report in just over two weeks, the Detroit Tigers released their non-roster invite list for spring training on Monday. The list is largely comprised of the many minor league signings President Scott Harris has added to the fold this offseason. However, there are a few of the clubs top prospects who will also get a chance to show their stuff in camp.
The three big names are third base prospect Colt Keith, 3B/OF Justyn Henry-Malloy, and top catching prospect Dillon Dingler. Keith is the Tigers best prospect in the eyes of many evaluators, while others were impressed by his injury shortened breakout at High-A ball, but would like to see more of it this season at Double-A Erie before they completely buy in on the bat.
Malloy was acquired this offseason from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Joe Jiménez. He seems to be trending toward a full-time move to left field, but elite plate discipline and solid power numbers suggest he could a valuable offensive contributor for future Tigers teams.
Dingler’s progress at the plate has stagnated since the summer of 2021, but he continues to flex good power and tighten up his defensive game, looking ever more likely to be a backup catcher. Unfortunately, the potential to be a full-time catcher is fading rapidly at this point. He’ll have another chance to change that impression this season with the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens.
In all, 22 non-roster players have been invited to spring training. The Tigers added several interesting arms to compete for bullpen jobs this offseason, with right-handers Kervin Castro and Trey Wingenter looking like the two top arms. Elvis Alvarado went unprotected in the Rule 5 draft, but his power fastball will draw some attention this spring if he can command it more effectively. However, the need for left-handed relief help means that Miguel Del Pozo, Zach Logue, Chasen Shreve, and Adam Wolf will be competing with the most wide open path to major league time.
Infielder César Hernández, recently added on a minor league deal as some insurance for the infield, leads the positional group. Infielders Jermaine Palacios and veteran Andy Ibánez seem the two most likely position players to get a look should they stick with the club. Catchers Mario Feliciano, Andrew Knapp, and Michael Papierski will have a chance to compete for a backup catching role.
Pitchers
RHP Elvis Alvarado, RHP Kervin Castro, RHP Angel De Jesus, LHP Miguel Del Pozo, RHP Miguel Diaz, RHP Brenan Hanifee, LHP Zach Logue, LHP Chasen Shreve, RHP Trey Wingenter, LHP Adam Wolf
Position Players
IF/OF Brendon Davis, CF Jonathan Davis, C Dillon Dingler, C Mario Feliciano, IF César Hernández, 3B Andy Ibañez, 3B Colt Keith, C Andrew Knapp, 3B/OF Justyn-Henry Malloy, IF Jermaine Palacios, C Michael Papierski, C Julio E. Rodriguez