The Detroit Tigers’ 2025 International Class Adds Possible Superstar Prospects

As one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball (MLB), the Detroit Tigers have experienced a period of rebuilding and rejuvenation in recent years. After a few seasons of underperformance and limited playoff contention, the Tigers’ front office has put a premium on youth development, scouting, and international talent. The 2025 International Signing Class has added some exciting young prospects that could shape the future of the organization. This influx of talent is part of a larger strategy to return to prominence by building a sustainable pipeline of high-quality players.

In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the key players from the Tigers’ 2025 international signing class. The focus will be on the potential of these prospects to emerge as major contributors for the Tigers in the coming years and perhaps even become superstar talents. From players with elite tools to those with intriguing upside, Detroit’s new international signings could represent the foundation of their next competitive era.

A Focus on International Scouting and Development

In today’s game, the international market has become an increasingly important avenue for teams to strengthen their farm systems. Scouting organizations in Latin America, Asia, and beyond are uncovering top-tier talent, and it’s no surprise that the Tigers have made significant investments in their international scouting efforts in recent years. The Tigers’ commitment to international scouting has been on full display in 2025, with the organization signing players who boast intriguing tools and raw potential. The success of these efforts will be critical as the team looks to build a foundation for future success, and the early returns on this class are promising.

Detroit’s ability to scout and develop international talent is becoming a key differentiator as they look to stay competitive in an increasingly dynamic division. The Tigers have already seen flashes of success in this arena with signings like shortstop Cristian Santana, outfielder Daniel Cabrera, and pitcher Wilmer Flores, all of whom have helped the organization build its reputation as a team that can both find and nurture young talent.

The 2025 international class may be one of the most exciting yet, with several players already drawing comparisons to some of the top prospects in MLB. While it will take time to see how they develop, the early excitement surrounding this group suggests that the Tigers are making strides in their efforts to rebuild and remain competitive in the future.

The Standouts of the 2025 International Class

The following players, all signed in the 2025 international signing period, have the potential to make an impact for the Tigers as early as a few years down the road. These players possess a combination of talent, upside, and developmental potential that could position them as key players in Detroit’s future lineup and pitching staff.

1. Rafael Morales (SS, Dominican Republic)

Rafael Morales is perhaps the most talked-about signing in the Tigers’ 2025 class. A shortstop hailing from the Dominican Republic, Morales has a polished game that already shows signs of star potential. At 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, Morales is a smooth defender with quick feet, a strong arm, and the ability to cover a lot of ground. His defensive ability at shortstop is widely regarded as advanced for his age, and many scouts believe that he could stay at the position as he matures, despite the possibility of growing into a more physically imposing frame.

At the plate, Morales shows excellent bat speed and strong hands, with an advanced understanding of the strike zone for a young player. He doesn’t have a ton of power yet, but his swing is compact, and he has demonstrated the ability to drive the ball to all fields. As his body develops and he gains strength, it is expected that he could grow into 15-20 home runs per season, which would make him a middle-of-the-order threat. His ability to make consistent contact with solid barrel control is an early sign that his bat could be special.

Morales is often compared to some of the best young shortstops in the game, such as Fernando Tatis Jr. or Wander Franco, due to his combination of tools and baseball IQ. While these comparisons are lofty, Morales’ potential to be an impact player at the major league level is undeniable, and if everything breaks right, he could develop into a star in Detroit’s lineup.

2. Luis Hernandez (OF, Venezuela)

Another exciting addition to the Tigers’ 2025 class is Luis Hernandez, an outfielder from Venezuela who has earned comparisons to top-tier power-hitting prospects in the game. Hernandez is a physical specimen at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, and he has the raw power that has made scouts sit up and take notice. His ability to hit for both average and power is considered his best asset, and he profiles as a potential middle-of-the-order bat in the future.

Hernandez has a natural feel for the barrel, which allows him to consistently drive the ball to the gaps and over the fence. His raw power is among the best in the class, and many scouts project him to hit 25+ home runs annually in the majors if he can tap into his power consistently. Defensively, he’s still refining his skills, but he has the tools to be a solid defender in either left field or right field. His arm strength is plus, which gives him the potential to be a strong defender with a cannon from the outfield.

While Hernandez still needs to improve his approach at the plate, particularly in terms of pitch recognition and selectivity, his raw power and athleticism give him a high ceiling. His development over the next few years will be crucial, but he has the potential to become a true power hitter for Detroit in the future.

3. Juan Carlos Medina (RHP, Cuba)

Pitching is always a priority for any organization, and the Tigers have certainly made a statement with their acquisition of Cuban right-handed pitcher Juan Carlos Medina. Medina, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 210 pounds, possesses one of the most advanced repertoires among the Tigers’ international signings. With a fastball that sits in the mid-90s and can touch 98 mph, Medina has the type of velocity that can overpower hitters, and his breaking stuff is equally impressive.

Medina’s slider is a swing-and-miss pitch, and his curveball has the potential to be an above-average offering as well. His command and control are still developing, but his stuff is highly regarded as one of the best in the class. What sets Medina apart is his poise on the mound and his ability to attack hitters, even in high-leverage situations. His pitching mechanics are fluid, and while he still needs time to fine-tune his secondary pitches, he has the makings of a top-of-the-rotation starter if he continues to progress.

Medina could be a key part of the Tigers’ rotation in the future, potentially becoming a front-end starter with the stuff and mentality to succeed at the highest levels. If his command improves and he refines his pitches, he could become a significant piece of Detroit’s pitching staff in the years to come.

4. Antonio Ruiz (C, Mexico)

Catching is a premium position in baseball, and the Tigers’ signing of Antonio Ruiz out of Mexico could prove to be one of the most impactful moves in their 2025 international class. Ruiz, a 17-year-old catcher, already has a reputation as one of the best defensive catchers in his age group, with exceptional receiving skills, a quick release, and a strong arm. His ability to handle pitchers and manage a game behind the plate is well ahead of most young catchers, and he has already shown the ability to frame pitches with ease and improve his pitchers’ command.

Offensively, Ruiz has a line-drive swing and has demonstrated the potential to hit for average. While he may not project to hit for power right away, his advanced feel for hitting and his ability to control the strike zone suggest that he could develop into a consistent hitter as he matures. Ruiz has the potential to become a two-way asset for the Tigers, providing value both defensively and at the plate.

While catching prospects often take longer to develop, Ruiz’s advanced defensive profile could fast-track him to the big leagues, and if his bat continues to develop, he could be a fixture behind the plate in Detroit for years to come.