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TOP 10 AMERICAN LEAGUE

Baseball America

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January / February 2026

Coming off successive postseason appearances, the Tigers are poised to get even feistier in 2026.

TOP 10 AMERICAN LEAGUE

STRIPE FORCE

That's because three of their top prospects should be big league ready at some point during the season.

Shortstop Kevin McGonigle is one of the most talented hit-plus-power prospects in baseball, while center fielder Max Clark is a potential five-tool center fielder. Josue Briceño brings plus power. Clark and McGonigle were Detroit's top two draft picks in 2023.

ABOUT BA GRADES

The number component of a BA Grade is an attempt to summarize the likely projected role of a prospect on the familiar 20-80 scouting scale.

  • An 80 player is one we expect to see in Cooperstown one day.

  • A 70 is one of the best players in the game—a perennial all-star and someone who may reach the Hall of Fame.

  • A 60 is a top-tier regular who likely makes All-Star Game appearances.

  • A 50 is a solid regular for a competitive team and someone who would not look out of place in a postseason lineup.

  • A 45 is a regular for a second-division team or one with a smaller role on a competitor.

  • A 40 is an MLB role player.

ABOUT RISK

A role grade paints a picture of a player's upside, but it does not account for the likelihood of that upside being achieved. That's where risk comes into play.

Our baseline risk is Average. All prospects are risky, but a prospect with average risk is one who is not particularly risky when compared to other prospects.

  • Low risk: A player who is close to the majors, typically with little or no projection remaining and no pressing injury questions. He has a high probability of having a major league career in some capacity.

  • Mild risk: A player with some work left to refine his skills and one who typically comes with upper-minors performance.

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