When Detroit Tigers GM Al Avila dealt Justin Wilson and his son Alex Avila to the Cubs back in 2017, Jeimer Candelario got most of the attention. The other prospect the Tigers got back was Isaac Paredes, who has quietly become one of the better prospects in the Detroit system. Now, after a flurry of promotions in the Motor City, Paredes is in the majors.
The Rankings
Paredes ranked 5th on the Tigers Top 30 list and 125th in our Fantasy Top 500.
The Tools
Hit (55 present/60 future): Paredes can put on a bat to ball display. His contact rates in the minors are insanely good, in the high 80s last year. He controls the barrel well through the zone, which is part of what helps him to be successful. Patience is also key for Paredes. His walk and strikeout rates were nearly identical in Erie last year, with an 11.1 percent strikeout rate and 10.3 percent walk rate. Between his comfort level in the box and his smooth movements, his hit tool is very good. The drawback of hit tools like his is that he can make contact with a lot of pitches, even bad ones. Pitch selection is a going to be a huge part of his success.
Power (45 game/55 raw): Between his quick hands and feel for barrel, Paredes does have some power to his game. Right now, he’s got a line drive approach that will allow him to run into a home run, but is better suited to find gaps. Swinging at good pitches and making the most of the contact give him a chance to peak with slightly above average pop.
Defense (45 glove/50 arm): It looks like Paredes’ defensive home will be at third in Detroit, however he could also see time at second base, or shortstop in an absolute pinch. His instincts make up for range that can be underwhelming. He does have the arm to play an average hot corner.
Speed (40 present/40 future): He’s not too fast, there’s not much else to say about it. It plays into his range defensively and he won’t scare anyone on the basepaths.
Prediction: If this goes well, there’s no reason Paredes doesn’t become a mainstay in the Detroit lineup. His contact and approach give him a chance to have the most impressive debut of the trio that the Tigers just called up. Long term, his power might come around a bit more. There are some who worry about the body type as well. Either way, he looks like an every day big leaguer on the dirt in Detroit.
Ralph’s Fantasy Take: A worthwhile flier in 15 team plus formats, should be a big boost to batting average or on base percentage (depending on your league) and there’s more power in the bat than he’s shown in the minors.