The Detroit Tigers acquired a young player who could be a big part of their organization going forward on Saturday in a deal with the San Diego Padres. Blake Dickerson, a 19-year-old pitcher, was acquired in exchange for $500,000 of international bonus pool money.
With the Tigers franchise at a crossroads, shortstop Javier Baez made a poignant statement about his recent struggles since coming over from the Mets in 2022.
The Tigers also agreed to a contract with a former top Brewers prospect.
On Saturday, GM Jeff Greenberg's deal for Dickerson was highlighted.
Dickerson's Potential for Tigers Revealed
The Tigers' new prospect is 19 years old and was a 12th-round pick of the Padres in the 2023 draft out of Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia.
He received a bonus if $500,000, equivalent to that of a fourth round pick according to MLBTradeRumors.com.
He was ranked by Baseball America as the #22 prospect in the Padres' farm system entering 2024.
Where Blake Dickerson Fits with Tigers
Manager AJ Hinch's Detroit Tigers farm system skyrocketed from #16 overall in summer 2023 by Baseball America to #5 overall entering the 2024 spring training season.
That places it higher than it's ever been except for one other time in Detroit Tigers history.
Dickerson is a left-handed pitcher with a high velocity fastball and above average curveball.
The 6-foot-6 pitching prospect has a chance to ‘be a #4 starter or future bullpen arm' depending on the development of his changeup according to MLB Rumors.