BP Top Prospects: Detroit Tigers

1. CF Derek Hill
2. C James McCann
3. OF Steven Moya
4. RHP Buck Farmer
5. LHP Kevin Ziomek
6. LHP Kyle Lobstein
7. RHP Spencer Turnbull
8. C Grayson Greiner
9. RHP Joe Jimenez
10. SS Dixon Machado

1. Derek Hill

Position: CF
DOB: 12/31/1995
Height/Weight: 6’2” 195 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Acquired: 1st round, 2014 draft, Elk Grove HS (Elk Grove, CA) 
Previous Ranking: NA
2014 Stats: .203/.244/.243 at short-season Connecticut (19 games), .212/.331/.333 at complex level GCL (28 games)
The Tools: 7 run; 7 potential glove; 5+ potential hit; 5 arm 

What Happened in 2014: The organization tabbed the speedy outfielder from California in the first round, and then began his initiation to professional ball in the bottom rung of the chain.

Strengths: Excellent athlete; frame to physically mature into; feel for the barrel; loose hands; capable of driving offerings into both gaps; gets out of box extremely well; double-plus runner; potential to impact game on bases; gets good jumps off the bat; covers plenty of ground into both gaps; good fundamentals; impact glove; strong work ethic; good makeup reports.

Weaknesses: In the early stages of developing a professional approach; very aggressive hitter; needs to learn how to better dictate plate appearances; likes to expand strike zone; will chase spin; development of pitch recognition will take some time; contact-orientated stroke with little present lift; below-average power potential; bat could end up on the empty side; glove may ultimately carry profile.

Overall Future Potential: 6; first-division player

Realistic Role: 5; average major leaguer

Risk Factor/Injury History: Extreme; limited professional experience; progression of hit tool.

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: There’s always interest in players with plus-plus run grades, but Hill has a chance to be a near-average fantasy contributor even without the speed. Despite the extended ETA, Hill shouldn’t last beyond the top-25 picks in dynasty drafts this year—and if everything breaks right, he could look like the good version of a former Tigers’ center fielder, Austin Jackson.

The Year Ahead: The speed and defense are attractive aspects of Hill’s game, with both offering impact potential and a solid foundation for this prospect to begin building upon as a pro. It’s not a leap to project the 19-year-old as a double-plus defender in center based on the way he already handles the position, especially when it comes to his ability to read balls off the bat and cover plenty of ground into both gaps. There’s a strong floor here when considering the value of a true up-the-middle defender. The variability comes into play when evaluating the potential of the bat, with an overwhelming majority of the early-career focus centering on building both the approach and pitch recognition to enhance the strong feel for the barrel. It’s likely to be on the slow and steady side for Hill out of the gate. Look for more subtle clues during what should be an assignment in the Midwest League in 2015, and for success to be a gradual ramp of controlling plate appearances better, with increased contact as a result. The major-league prospects here are bright, with the chance a first-division player starts to come into focus as the offensive prowess develops with repetition and experience.

Major league ETA: Late 2018