The Tigers won 16 of 24 between September 1-22 to move from out of a playoff spot to in one. To solidify their bullpen down the stretch, the Tigers are calling up pitching prospect Jackson Jobe, ranked the sixth-best prospect in baseball according to MLB.com, for his MLB debut.
A Look at Jobe
Detroit selected Jackson Jobe third overall in the 2021 MLB Draft, just behind top pick Henry Davis (Pirates) and Jack Leiter (Rangers). Jobe was the highest high schooler taken that year, thanks to a powerful arsenal that includes a plus fastball and plus slider. As a pro, Jobe’s maintained his elite status as a prospect.
Jobe dodged a sluggish first half of 2022 to post a 3.84 ERA in his first pro season, which was capped off by 15 strong innings with West Michigan (A+). Injuries slowed Jobe down in 2023 but he still struck out 84 over 64 frames across two levels last season. And, he walked just six in 2023. His numbers (96 K, 45 BB, .196 opponent’s AVG over 91.2 IP) in 2024 have been excellent.
The 21-year-old can blow away hitters with a high-90s fastball. It’s a pitch that could play higher out of the bullpen (and we’ll get into why that matters in a minute). His fastball showcased high IVB in the Minors.
The best pitch in Jobe’s arsenal, though, is a ridiculous plus-plus sweeping slider that could be one of the best breaking balls in baseball right now. It’s a low-80s offering with elite spin, well above 3,000 RPM. On average, the pitcher with the highest sweeper spin in MLB right now is Aaron Civale at 2,998.
Only four of the 18 swings in Triple-A (tracked pitches) off Jobe’s sweeper — one with frisbee-like movement — were misses, a small sample size. But, Jobe got called strikes with it and can beat lefties and righties with the pitch.
Additionally, Jobe showcased a good changeup, along with a high-80s cutter that profiles as a secondary weapon against left-handed hitters.
Health has been somewhat of a problem for Jobe, who’s yet to throw more than 100 innings in a season. Jobe missed a good chunk of 2023 with lumbar spine inflammation and had a two-month IL stint in 2024. Still, Jobe’s stuff is elite and puts him among the best pitching prospects in the game.
The Tigers will summon Jackson Jobe for his MLB debut on September 24. However, Jobe will be a reliever for Detroit down the stretch.
Analysis
The Tigers are knee-deep in a playoff chase. Detroit is looking for their first playoff birth since 2014 to end what is one of the longest playoff droughts in the MLB. Heading into the season, the Angels and Tigers were tied for the longest drought, as neither’s made the postseason since 2014.
Detroit appeared poised to miss the playoffs again in 2024. The Tigers traded pitcher Jack Flaherty and outfielder Mark Canha at the Trade Deadline. And heading into September, Detroit was four and a half games back out of a playoff spot. A hot September and struggles by the Royals and Twins have changed the game. Now, Detroit is sitting in the third spot.
Thus, it’s not a shock to see the Tigers call up Jobe, who’s got four above-average or better pitches, to work out of their pen. He is Detroit’s best pitcher not in the Majors and may be able to unlock more velo out of the bullpen. And, it comes amidst struggles from Jason Foley and Shelby Miller, the latter of whom will be DFA’d. Miller appeared in just four games in September.
It’ll also be a test to see how Jobe handles pitching on a big stage. Jobe has the stuff to be a MLB starter. Performing well in the bullpen can go a long way to solidify a place on the 2025 Tigers.
Fantasy Outlook
Jobe will be used out of the bullpen over the final week. So, Jobe’s fantasy value is extremely limited. Don’t expect the 21-year-old rookie to get save chances, even though his stuff is immaculate.