Tigers' Max Clark: Will stick in minor-league camp
Rotowire
Clark was not invited to major-league spring training and will instead focus on his development on the minor-league side, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.
Fellow top Detroit prospects Thayron Liranzo and Hao-Yu Lee were invited to participate with the major leaguers, but Clark will remain in minor-league camp for now. The 20-year-old still has a bright future and is among the top prospects in MLB, though he's yet to appear above the High-A level. Expect the Tigers to remain patient with Clark as he gets accustomed to the professional game.
Clark was promoted to High-A West Michigan on Sunday, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.
Clark will take a step up to High-A after he produced a .279 average with six home runs, 56 RBI, 52 runs scored and 25 stolen bases over 276 at-bats in 72 games with Single-A Lakeland this season. The 19-year-old was selected third overall in the 2023 First-Year Player Draft, but unlike Paul Skenes, who went first overall, Clark will likely need to slowly work his way up the minor-league levels before making his major-league debut in the distant future.
Tigers' Max Clark: Patience, speed for Flying Tigers
Rotowire
Clark is hitting .250 with a .362 OBP, one home run and eight steals in 28 games for Single-A Lakeland.
Clark's command of the zone has been as advertised (17.7 K%, 15.4 BB%), but a power breakout has yet to take place. Given his strong hit tool, 70-grade speed and excellent outfield defense, Clark is a safe bet to get to the majors and play regularly, but he may be only a 10-to-15 homer threat at the highest level.
