The Tigers have made a strategic move, sending two of their top prospects—catcher Thayron Liranzo and infielder Hao-Yu Lee—back to minor league camp after a stint in Lakeland for spring training. This decision brings the Tigers’ big league camp roster down to 49 players.
Both Liranzo and Lee have showcased glimpses of their potential, wowing both the team and fans at times. However, it’s clear they still need more seasoning to fine-tune their skills. At just 21, Liranzo hasn’t advanced beyond High-A ball yet, but he’s shown flashes of the power he possesses, hitting an eye-popping .158/.304/.474 with six RBIs and a towering home run over 19 at-bats this spring.
The future looks incredibly promising for Liranzo, currently ranked as the Tigers’ No. 5 prospect. Given the Tigers boast arguably the best farm system in the majors, Liranzo’s development is eagerly anticipated.
Hao-Yu Lee, 22, has made a name for himself with consistent performances throughout the minor leagues and stirred some buzz as a third base contender early in camp. Unfortunately, his spring wasn’t quite as successful, as he mustered a .136/.240/.227 slash line over 22 at-bats. Despite this setback, his rank as the Tigers’ No. 8 prospect underscores the organization’s faith in him, and there’s hope he could make a major league appearance this season.
Both Liranzo and Lee leave spring training with valuable lessons under their belts. They’ll head back to the minors to continue their development, aiming to eventually contribute to Detroit’s success down the road. For now, Tigers fans will have to wait a little longer to see these promising talents in the big leagues, but the excitement around them keeps building.