DETROIT, MI – JUNE 11: Spencer Torkelson #20 of the Detroit Tigers peers from the dugout during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Comerica Park on June 11, 2022, in Detroit, Michigan. Keith Law MLB prospect rankings (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
The Athletic dropped the most recent edition of their MLB prospect team rankings on Thursday, and it had some alarming results for several teams around the sport.
For others, of course, it was a reminder of what’s to come.
The point of losing, if there is one, is to rebuild from the ground up. Baseball is not like most professional sports, where teams can retool far quicker thanks to an immediate impact from high draft picks. In MLB, it takes 2-3 years at minimum to witness the spoils of a dominant draft class.
Said selections must make their way up the minor-league ladder, and eventually adjust to the major-league level. Doing so takes some time, not to mention teams that attempt to circumvent the service time rules.
If Keith Law’s rankings reveal anything, it’s which teams are ahead of schedule, and which front offices have a long way to go before their competitive window opens.
Keith Law MLB prospect rankings: Detroit Tigers are biggest losers
Scott Harris has a lot of work to do, and Thursday morning provided yet another reminder of that. Al Avila and Detroit’s scouting department failed hard with player development despite possessing high draft picks most of the past half-decade. Casey Mize, Matt Manning and Tarik Skubal have the makings of a capable rotation, but have struggled to stay healthy. Spencer Torkelson hasn’t adapted to the big-league level despite being considered one of the more pro-ready hitters in recent draft memory.
Harris and the Tigers revamped much of the scouting staff upon his arrival. Player development is a critical part of why Harris was hired in the first place, as well. Rebuilding Al Avila’s attempted rebuild will take time. Be patient, Tigers fans.