Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
It’s no secret that the Detroit Tigers are one of the favorites to get back to the World Series and even to win it. They have a stacked starting rotation with two of the best hitters in the game today in Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder, but the focus this spring has been on young Nick Castellanos.
The 21-year-old converted outfielder has had a spectacular Spring Training but was sent down to Triple-A Toledo (Reportedly) to start the year. This shouldn’t be a surprise to most considering he’s so young and is the organization’s top prospect.
Castellanos has been a league-wide star since All-Star weekend last year where he competed in the Major League Baseball Futures game. He had a great showing and he hasn’t looked back since. Last year between Single-A and Double-A he hit .320 with 57 RBI and 10 home runs.
This spring Castellanos hit an incredible .360 with six RBI in 25 at-bats before getting sent down to the minors. Although many fans won’t like to hear it, this was the right decision. At only 21-years-old he has plenty of time to make it to the majors so there is no reason to rush him before he’s ready.
Last year when he made the jump from Single-A to Double-A he only hit .264, a huge drop off from his .461 average in Single-A. I’m not saying that he couldn’t play in the majors, but I would rather give him more time in the minors and be safe than rush him and make him have a setback.
Castellanos is ranked in the top 50 prospects in all of baseball so I understand that everyone wants to see this amazing talent, but I would rather wait and see him when he can be an everyday player. His time will come, don’t worry Tigers fans.
