Each year, several players outside the Detroit Tigers’ preseason top 10 prospects make significant progress, boosting their rankings and potential impact. Identifying these breakout players ahead of time offers fans and analysts an exciting glimpse into the organization’s future. For 2026, a few Tigers prospects stand out for their chances to take that important leap forward and contribute meaningfully.
These players are ranked beyond the Tigers’ top 10 entering the season, with scouting insights drawn from Baseball America’s 2026 Prospect handbook. Their performances and development trajectories provide hope that they could become key assets in the Tigers’ rebuilding process.
Kelvis Salcedo: A Power Arm with High Upside
Signed in 2023 as an affordable Venezuelan acquisition, right-hander Kelvis Salcedo has quickly established himself as one of Detroit’s most promising pitching prospects. He made an immediate impact in the Dominican Summer League in 2024, then played a major role in a seven-inning no-hitter for the Florida Complex League in June 2025. Later that season, Salcedo helped Low-A Lakeland secure a Florida State League championship.
Salcedo possesses a fastball that consistently sits between 93 and 98 mph, backed by an above-average two-plane slider in the 86-88 mph range and a split-changeup clocked at 84-86 mph. His ability to keep the fastball and slider over the strike zone, combined with an effective split changeup that induces swings and misses below the zone, has resulted in miss rates exceeding 50% in the lower minors. Physically, he is strong with notably robust legs, though his somewhat unconventional, stiff delivery raises concerns about his capacity to maintain velocity, control, and pitch quality long term as a starter.
If Salcedo can sustain his current performance and health, the Tigers see him developing into a midrotation starting pitcher with a viable fallback role as a high-leverage bullpen arm.
Jack Penney: Utility Infielder with Room to Grow
Second baseman Jack Penney comes into 2026 with an intriguing profile despite a modest collegiate record. At Notre Dame, Penney posted a career batting average of .261 and never reached .300 in a season. However, his performance with a wood bat during the Cape Cod League significantly impressed scouts. After missing a month in 2025 due to a left shoulder separation, Penney returned strong with a steady showing at High-A West Michigan.
Offensively, Penney demonstrates above-average contact skills and plate discipline, striking a balance between drawing walks and producing decent power, reflected in his 91 mph average exit velocity. He has yet to show enough pull in his fly balls to translate velocity into significant power numbers. Defensively, he is a borderline-average second baseman who is less comfortable at shortstop but can also fill in at third base, thanks to an average arm.
The Tigers envision Penney evolving into a bat-first utility infielder, with a realistic chance of securing everyday time as a second baseman should his development continue. His well-rounded offensive approach and positional flexibility could provide valuable depth in the infield.
Angel De Los Santos: Versatile Shortstop Prospect with Defensive Skills
Signed for $387,500 in January 2025 from the Dominican Republic, Angel De Los Santos entered the Tigers system as one of the strongest defensive players in his international intake. His early performances in the Dominican Summer League confirmed those expectations, also revealing an advanced offensive approach. After recovering from a quad injury that sidelined him for nearly a month, De Los Santos emerged as the best hitter for the DSL Tigers 1 once he returned.
At the plate, De Los Santos uses a unique batting setup that involves coiling and staying closed, with a front foot balanced on the tips of his toes before a toe tap triggers his swing. This technique provides excellent barrel control and rotational speed, allowing him to generate solid power despite his young age. Defensively, while he needs to become more consistent, his athletic footwork and above-average arm strength up the middle make him a promising shortstop candidate.
The Tigers see him as a potential well-rounded middle infielder with multi-positional capabilities. His blend of bat and arm tools leaves the possibility open that he could stick at shortstop as his primary position in the long term.
Prospects on the Brink of Breakthrough
These players reflect the Detroit Tigers’ ongoing effort to uncover hidden gems beyond their top-rated prospects, highlighting the depth and talent within the organization’s farm system. If Salcedo, Penney, and De Los Santos fulfill their potential in the upcoming season, they could provide crucial pieces for Detroit’s major league roster or valuable trade assets to accelerate the rebuilding process.
The Tigers’ development staff will be closely monitoring their progress throughout 2026, with hopes that these breakout candidates can contribute to the club’s resurgence and long-term success.
“Salcedo has some of the best stuff in the Tigers’ organization, with a 93-98 mph shot put of a sinker and two excellent secondaries.” ? Baseball America Prospect Handbook
“Penney’s 91 mph average exit velocity is above-average, although he hasn’t pulled the ball in the air enough for that to turn into much productive power.” ? Baseball America Prospect Handbook
“De Los Santos has all the foundational tools to be a well-rounded middle infielder.” ? Baseball America Prospect Handbook
