Detroit Free Press · Feb 9, 2020
Detroit Tigers' most important player for future: Matt Manning needs a bit more refining
Because the Detroit Tigers are in the middle of a rebuild, the focus won't be so much on the 2020 season, but rather how the players will fit in the years to come. Here is our countdown of the most important players, both in the majors and minors, and how they figure into the plans:
No. 1 RHP Matt Manning
The skinny: Manning, 21, took another big step this season by dominating the Eastern League. His progression from thrower to pitcher has been notable but remains incomplete – refining his change-up is a perhaps the last box to check. Manning looks very much like a potential front-line starter.
The stats: 11-5, 2.56 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 148 strikeouts, 133 2/3 innings at Double-A Erie