The Detroit Tigers will likely dominate headlines over the next few days as rumors of a Tarik Skubal trade swirl, but on Friday the focus will be on Max Clark, who is reportedly being called up for his MLB debut.
Clark went viral during spring training for wearing very flashy chains, but failing to make some routine plays. He responded to the criticism with a statement back in March, but he will finally get a chance to show his critics what he can do in the big leagues.
“I don’t care what they have to say, to be completely honest with you. People don’t know me,” Clark said in March, per Detroit Free Press’ Evan Petzold. “There’s a lot of people out there that will do anything for some monetary clicks. I’ve been dealing with this since I was 15. It’s a part of this game. It’s a part of this process. And it’s only going to get worse, obviously.”
“Obviously, I’m going to get more flack just because of the way I dress, but at the end of the day, I know I’m a baller, I know I’m a gamer, and that’s what everybody else here knows,” he added. “That’s why I was drafted where I was.”
He was the No. 3 overall pick of the 2023 MLB Draft and has been one of the highest-regarded prospects in baseball ever since. He has a 60-grade hit tool, 50-grade power tool, 70-grade run tool, 60-grade arm and 60-grade fielding.
He has played 90 games in Triple-A this season, and has a .276/.368/.434 slash line with 11 home runs. The speedy center fielder has also stolen 21 bags, while only being caught twice. The Tigers entered play on Thursday 4 1/2 games out of a wild card spot. With rumors of their ace being on the trade block, they are hoping Clark can bring some stability to center field.
Matt Vierling has made the most appearances in center field for the Tigers and has a -0.9 bWAR and an OPS below .600. It will not be a high bar for Clark to clear, but until he does so, he will face criticism.
Photo: Detroit Tigers first round draft selection Max Clark looks on before a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Friday, July 21, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
