Max Clark and Hao-Yu Lee to represent Tigers in MLB Futures game

The MLB Futures game rosters for 2024 were released on Tuesday. The Detroit Tigers will be represented by center fielder Max Clark, MLB Pipeline’s 10th ranked prospect, as well as Double-A infielder Hao-Yu Lee.

The Futures Game is part of MLB All-Star week and is scheduled for July 14 at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas, home of the Texas Rangers. The American League squad will be managed by Rangers legend Adrian Beltre, so that should be fun. Rangers semi-legend Michael Young will manage the National League squad, and Erie SeaWolves manager Gabe Alvarez has been honored with a spot on Young’s coaching staff. Alvarez will be the third base coach in the exhibition. Former Tigers Ian Kinsler and Prince Fielder will be part of Young’s coaching staff. Should be fun.

The 19-year-old Clark, drafted with the third overall pick in 2023, leads the Florida State League this season with 47 RBI and five home runs in 64 games, with nearly as many walks as strikeouts along with 23 stolen bases.

While Clark is very well known, the 21-year-old Lee has been one of the big breakout stories in the farm system this season. Acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies for pitcher Michael Lorenzen last July, Lee has done nothing but hit, and this season he’s erupted with an improved power profile as one of the younger players in the Double-A Eastern League.

Lee has 11 home runs and 12 steals in 64 games, with a sterling 145 wRC+ and is currently working on learning third base. Highly praised for his intense, high energy style of play and for being an excellent teammate and leader in the SeaWolves dugout, he’s rapidly looking like quite a steal for Scott Harris.

Kevin McGonigle missed the first few weeks of the season, which is probably why he didn’t get the call. Jackson Jobe is just returning from a hamstring injury and probably wouldn’t be allowed to participate even if he got the nod.

The festivities will also include a new Futures Skills competition featuring eight prospects in a hitting contest that combines pure hitting skills with a home run derby round.

2023 first overall pick Dylan Crews, Twins SS prospect Brooks Lee, Orioles catching prospect Samuel Basallo, and Nationals outfielder Brady House are just a few of the high end prospects participating.