While 2017 was a failed season for the Detroit Tigers organization, it was a wild success for the West Michigan Whitecaps. Strong in just about every measurable category, they finished the season as Midwest League standouts. No team in the league had a lower collective ERA or WHIP, and none allowed fewer hits or walks. In fact, the Whitecaps posted their all-time shutout record. Yes, pitching truly created a gem in the Tigers' farm system.
That will probably not be the case in 2018. The cream of the crop among the Low-A pitchers were promoted to Lakeland.