In a push for a playoff spot, the Tigers have called up one of their best hitting prospects for a jolt. Outfielder Justyn-Henry Malloy, an on-base machine down in Triple-A, has joined the Tigers for their June series against the Texas Rangers. Here’s a closer look at the newest Tiger.
A Look at Henry-Malloy
The Tigers acquired infielder/outfielder Justyn-Henry Malloy in the winter of 2022 via the trade that sent Joe Jimenez to Atlanta. The trade came after a strong 2022 campaign from Malloy, one that saw him walk 97 times and record 45 extra-base hits between High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A.
Malloy did much of the same in 2023, as the former Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket hit 23 home runs and 49 extra-base hits with Toledo (AAA), and a whopping 110 walks over 135 games. That latter figure led the International League by far and away, as the closest player was Rafael Lantigua with 98.
Malloy put solid production in Triple-A again in 2024, as he posted a .883 OPS across 44 games.
A sixth-round pick by Atlanta in 2021, Malloy is a dream for analytically-friendly organizations thanks to his eye and patience at the plate. Not to mention, he’s got power to all fields and a sound lower half. It’s possible Malloy could be a 20-25 home run hitter at the MLB level.
Defensively, Malloy got looks at third base with Toledo last season but received poor grades. The 24-year-old posted a sub-.900 fielding percentage at the hot corner and since then, he’s been a corner outfielder and designated hitter for the Mud Hens.
On June 3, the Tigers officially selected Justyn-Henry Malloy’s contract. In a corresponding move, Detroit demoted Spencer Torkelson.
Analysis
It’s not a shock to see Detroit look for a spark offensively. Despite promising signs from Wenceel Perez and Matt Vierling, the Tigers enter play on June 3 with a .303 OBP (23rd in MLB) and 254 runs (17th in MLB), well behind AL Central foes Cleveland and Kansas City. The Guardians and Royals are in the top half of the league in both categories.
To shake things up, Detroit will give Mark Canha a look at first on June 3 and shifted Spencer Torkelson, who’s batting sub-.200 against fastballs and sub-.100 against offspeed pitches, back to Toledo.
Torkelson’s not the only one struggling for the Tigers. Javier Baez has a .479 OPS, which would be a career-low for the shortstop. Rookie infielder Colt Keith, meanwhile, came on in May with a .881 OPS but still has subpar numbers on the season overall.
The Tigers slotted Malloy in the sixth slot to begin his MLB career but it shouldn’t be out of the question that the 24-year-old will be a leadoff hitter at some point — his career OBP of .410 in the Minors is a good reason why.
Fantasy Outlook
For those who play in complex leagues that track walks, Malloy provides a unique opportunity. The Tigers outfielder walked in spades in the Minors, and his power is fine. However, it’ll be interesting to see how well he does in the spacious confines of Comerica Park.