This time last year, outfielder Kerry Carpenter was an afterthought on most Tigers’ prospect lists. A below average defender who had shown decent bat to ball skills and some power, but little in the way of plate discipline, the Tigers 19th rounder in 2019 was not on the radar as a breakout candidate. 513 plate appearances and 36 home runs across three levels later, and suddenly Carpenter is expected to win a spot on the major league roster in 2023 this spring.
One of the wilder notes from his age 24 season was the fact that he hit a home run every 12 plate appearances for the Double-A Erie SeaWolves.