Tigers Slip to No. 6 in MLB Pipeline Farm System Rankings — But Talent Remains Deep
The Detroit Tigers opened the 2025 season with one of baseball’s most coveted distinctions: the sport’s top farm system, according to MLB Pipeline. But in the outlet’s latest rankings, released Tuesday night, Detroit slid to No. 6.
That drop, however, is less about decline and more about natural turnover. The organization’s top prospect entering the season — hard-throwing right-hander Jackson Jobe — graduated from prospect status when he cracked the Opening Day rotation. His campaign was cut short by elbow surgery, but his ascent still reflects the system’s development success.
Detroit continues to boast four Top 100 prospects, including two in the top 10:
- Kevin McGonigle, SS (No. 2) – Praised for his elite hit tool, currently the best in the minors.
- Max Clark, CF (No. 9) – A dynamic athlete with a complete all-around skill set.
- Josue Briceño, C/1B (No. 32) – Brings immense power potential.
- Bryce Rainer, SS (No. 35) – Out for the season with a shoulder injury, but remains highly regarded.
McGonigle, Clark, and Briceño — all just 20 years old — were promoted last month to Double-A Erie, underscoring the Tigers’ youth and upside.
Pipeline notes the “slight drop” stems from Jobe’s graduation and a step back from catcher/first baseman Thayron Liranzo, but praises the organization’s depth, highlighting breakouts from Troy Melton, Max Anderson, and Andrew Sears, plus a strong debut DSL season from Cris Rodriguez.
Melton, a 2022 fourth-round pick, reached the majors in July and has posted a 3.63 ERA and 1.04 WHIP in 17.1 innings. Anderson, a 2023 second-rounder, earned a promotion to Triple-A Toledo after hitting .306 with 14 homers at Erie. Sears impressed with a 2.95 ERA in 20 outings for West Michigan before joining Erie this week.
While July’s MLB Draft bolstered many organizations, the trade deadline also reshaped farm systems. The Tigers traded some depth but kept their elite prospects, sending catcher Enrique Jimenez (a top-30 organizational talent) to the Minnesota Twins for starter Chris Paddack.
The Los Angeles Dodgers climbed from No. 4 to claim the top spot in MLB Pipeline’s updated rankings. For Detroit, this year’s No. 6 ranking matches their midseason 2024 position — proof that, even with graduations and injuries, the Tigers’ farm remains among the best in baseball.
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