Tigers call up top prospect
The Detroit Tigers announced on Thursday, July 30, that they are calling up Max Clark, one of MLB‘s top prospects. The 21-year-old is the team’s No. 1-ranked prospect and the No. 13 MLB prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. Clark is expected to make his MLB debut as early as Friday, July 31, when the Tigers are scheduled to play the Oakland Athletics in Sacramento, California.
Before his call-up, Clark played in Triple-A with the Toledo Mud Hens, where he recorded a .276 batting average. In 90 games and 362 at-bats, he hit 11 home runs, 20 doubles, and drove in 42 RBI, while also stealing 21 bases. This performance follows a period where Clark’s offensive output improved significantly in June and July, including a .338 batting average with five home runs and a 1.038 OPS in 19 games during July for Toledo.
High school career and draft
Clark was selected third overall by the Tigers in the 2023 MLB Draft directly out of high school, part of the same draft class as fellow rookie Kevin McGonigle. His selection was one pick ahead of Wyatt Langford, who was drafted by the Texas Rangers. Clark was recognized for his outstanding high school career, earning the title of Gatorade National Baseball Player of the Year in 2023.
He attended Franklin Community High School in Franklin, Indiana, located 25 miles south of Indianapolis. During his time there, Clark was named the Indiana Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year in his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons. His freshman season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially limiting further high school achievements.
As a senior, Clark achieved a .646 batting average, with six home runs, 33 RBI, and 45 runs scored. In his junior year, he hit .577, contributing nine home runs, 32 RBI, and 22 stolen bases, alongside 31 walks. His sophomore season saw him bat .450, with six home runs, 30 RBI, and 31 stolen bases. Additionally, he pitched during his sophomore year, posting a 0.84 ERA and recording 120 strikeouts over 50 innings.
Professional journey and team outlook
Prior to his senior year, Clark represented Team USA in the 2021 WBSC U-18 World Cup, where he posted a .294 batting average over eight games, helping the U.S. secure a gold medal. Although he had committed to Vanderbilt for college baseball, Clark ultimately signed with the Tigers for $7.7 million on July 17, 2023.
Following Clark’s selection, Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris praised his abilities, stating, “He was the best player on our board at that pick, and we are thrilled that he got to our pick. We think Max is a five-tool player.” This sentiment underscores the organization’s high expectations for the young player.
Clark’s call-up comes at a time when the Tigers are dealing with injuries to other players. Outfielder Matt Vierling left a recent game with a groin injury, and Kerry Carpenter was placed on the injured list with plantar fasciitis, leaving the team without a left-handed bat. The organization’s decision to call up their top prospect, a former No. 3 overall pick, suggests a long-term commitment rather than a brief appearance.
The relationship between Clark and Kevin McGonigle, who were drafted together and won a gold medal with USA Baseball, is also a notable aspect of this call-up. Clark expressed their shared ambition, stating, “We want to win a couple bigger things together, too.” McGonigle, who made the All-Star team and is considered a strong candidate for AL Rookie of the Year, has been a significant presence for the Tigers this season. The two players have known each other since they were 15.
Clark’s journey to the majors has seen him overcome early struggles, including a challenging spring training performance where he went 2-for-18 at the plate and faced difficulties with outfield defense. He has since demonstrated resilience, improving his play in Triple-A. The Tigers‘ decision to bring him up now signals their belief in his readiness to contribute at the major league level, with his debut potentially occurring on July 31.
Source: eu.usatoday.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.