Tigers' young arm tagged as potential 'breakout candidate' for 2026

Jared Bloom

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Tigers' young arm tagged as potential 'breakout candidate' for 2026 image

During the midway point of the 2025 season, the Detroit Tigers had a top-10 farm system. They were ranked sixth with some exciting prospects waiting to make a name for themselves at the big league level. 

Troy Melton was one of these prospects waiting for his call-up. He got it on July 23 against the Pittsburgh Pirates and did not look back. He struck out seven batters in five innings. 

Melton would go on to pitch 45.2 innings during the regular season, compiling a 3-2 record with a 2.76 ERA. He would also go on to pitch in the postseason, playing a key role during the ALDS against the Seattle Mariners, where he pitched multiple times.

MORE: Tigers' young prospect expected to make a huge jump this upcoming season

Tigers' young arm tagged as potential 'breakout candidate' for 2026

Melton pitched above expectations in 2025 and could be in store for a great 2026 season. His past performances should motivate him, knowing that he has the skills to get outs at the big league level. 

MLB.com's Jason Beck tags him as Detroit's breakout candidate for the 2026 season. 

"Detroit's 2025 playoff run might not have happened without the hard-throwing Melton, who made an immediate impact as a midseason call-up to the rotation before shifting to the bullpen down the stretch. He helped the Tigers take a must-win game in Cleveland in the final week of the regular season, then rebounded from a rough postseason debut to beat the Mariners in Game 4 of the ALDS."

Melton could parlay is gret rookie season into an even better one in 2026. Now, there is no telling where he will end up this upcoming season. 

He could return to his role as a starting pitcher, or he could return to the bullpen if the Tigers add another veteran starting pitcher this offseason. 

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Editorial Team