Unveiling Tanner Kohlhepp: The Rising Star of the Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers have been quietly assembling a formidable pitching staff, transforming their once-questionable rotation into a force to be reckoned with. With the recent acquisitions of Alex Cobb and Jack Flaherty, alongside the potential of Reese Olson and Casey Mize, the Tigers now boast a strong supporting cast behind the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, Tarik Skubal. Manager A.J. Hinch’s innovative use of openers, bulk pitchers, and full bullpen games during the playoffs showcased the adaptability of the Tigers’ elite relief staff. As they head into the 2025 season with more defined roles and additions like Tommy Kahnle, John Brebbia, and veteran Andrew Chafin, the bullpen appears to be in top form.
Amidst the established names and seasoned players, spring training often unveils hidden gems that catch the eye of coaches and management. One such standout in this year’s spring training is Tanner Kohlhepp, a fifth-round pick in the 2021 MLB draft hailing from Notre Dame. Despite projections placing him in Double-A Erie after a season in High-A West Michigan, Kohlhepp’s debut performance hinted at a rapid ascent through the minor league ranks. Delayed by his professional debut until 2023, Kohlhepp took the mound for the first time this spring against the Minnesota Twins on Feb. 26.
In just 0.2 innings against the Twins, Kohlhepp showcased an impressive array of pitches, including a sinker, slider, changeup, and cutter, all of which registered a proStuff+ of at least 111, with an overall rating of 126. His ability to keep batters off balance was evident through a 30.0% whiff rate. However, what truly stood out was the striking resemblance of his mechanics to Seattle Mariners’ ace Luis Castillo. A side-by-side comparison highlighted the uncanny similarity in arm slots and release points between the 25-year-old Kohlhepp and the three-time All-Star Castillo, sparking intrigue and drawing parallels between the two pitchers.
While it may be premature to predict Kohlhepp’s trajectory to match Castillo’s illustrious career, the resemblance in mechanics suggests a promising foundation for the young reliever. If Kohlhepp maintains his level of performance throughout spring training and into the minor league season, he could emerge as a player to watch within the Detroit Tigers organization. As the season progresses, his development and potential impact on the team will undoubtedly be closely monitored by management and fans alike.