Jackson Jobe DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Detroit Tigers right-handed pitching prospect Jackson Jobe is already one of the favorites to win the American League Rookie of the Year award in 2025, but the former third overall pick isn't a lock to make the team's Opening Day starting rotation. After making his MLB debut in September of 2024 as a reliever, Jobe added a curveball and two-seam fastball to his pitch mix this offseason and now features six pitches -- four-seam fastball, cutter, changeup, sweeper, curve and two-seamer. He's hoping the additions bring him more strikeouts after his strikeout rate decreased in the minors last year, falling from 32.6% in 2023 to 25.6% in 2024. Jobe ranked in the 90th percentile in reaching two strikes in the minors, but only ranked in the 13th percentile in called-strike-plus-whiff rate in two-strike counts. The 22-year-old has electric stuff and is the No. 5 overall MLB prospect, and he'll be given every chance to win a rotation spot this spring in Detroit.

According to Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic, Detroit Tigers pitching prospect Jackson Jobe should have a path to claiming a spot in the Opening Day rotation if he has strong spring training. Stavenhagen noted that the team "wants" Jobe in the rotation, and as long as he "has adequate spring and displays his high-level stuff, he has the inside track for a rotation spot." The top pitching prospect in the sport made his big-league debut late last season. He appeared in two games (exclusively as a reliever) and tossed four clean innings. He spent most of his 2024 season at Double-A Erie, where he held a stellar 1.95 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP across 73 2/3 innings. He struck out 81 batters and served up 38 walks. Fantasy managers should expect him to compete for the final spot alongside Casey Mize and Brant Hurter. The 22-year-old is a great target late in drafts as he could carry high upside if he remains in the rotation throughout the entire season.