Now that Paul Skenes has graduated, who is the next big arm in the MLB pipeline? Some might say the Cubs' Cade Horton, others maybe the Reds' Rhett Lowder, others maybe someone else, but most would probably say the Tigers' Jackson Jobe is the most promising young arm we have yet to see in the majors.
Drafted in 2021, Jobe has displayed electric stuff since his pro debut with only minor hiccups along the way. Now three years later, fantasy managers and baseball fans alike (especially Tigers fans) wait anxiously to see him in the Show.
So when will he get the call? Should fantasy managers be stashing the 11th-ranked prospect in all of baseball? What does he bring to the mound? Let's have a look.
How High Is Jackson Jobe's Fantasy Potential?
Jobe's potential is that of a frontline starter, which of course makes him a coveted fantasy commodity. Is he Paul Skenes? Not quite, not many are, but he's certainly got similar strikeout stuff. Since beginning his career at Single-A, the righty has compiled 205 strikeouts over 172 minor league innings, good for a 10.73 K/9. The strikeouts have been even better this season, however, posting a 36.4% K% in six Double-A starts this season.
MLB's No. 11 prospect Jackson Jobe returned to Double-A after missing time with a left hamstring strain.
The @tigers righty struck out a season-high eight while solving his command issues from earlier in the year: https://t.co/GObLh8mnU5 pic.twitter.com/GdBMqW6XGJ
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) July 6, 2024
The minor hiccup mentioned earlier? That would be his command, which was superb until the start of Double-A this season, where he had a 7:8 BB:K in his first two starts. It seems he's corrected that issue though, as he's recorded a 6:32 BB:K in seven starts since (including three High-A starts).
When Might Jackson Jobe Get A Major-League Opportunity?
It's hard to say he's ready for the majors as he has yet to make a start at Triple-A, but he wouldn't be the first pitcher this season to make the jump from Double-A to the pros. Also, the former first-round draft pick pitched four games in the Arizona Fall League last season, which is typically against some of the best hitters the minor leagues has to offer. Well, Jobe went 3-1 with a 2.87 ERA and a 5:19 BB:K, so if that is any litmus test, it seems he's ready.
Here’s every whiff and strikeout from Jackson Jobe’s impressive return to Double-A tonight. pic.twitter.com/u2kneUHZlE
— Tigers ML Report (@tigersMLreport) July 6, 2024
In his latest start, the 21-year-old pitched five innings and struck out a season-high eight batters. It may not be necessary to pitch at Triple-A before making the jump, but he'll likely need at least a few more starts where he builds up his pitch count. If Jobe gets the call this season, it figures to be August sometime or later. Managers in shallower redraft leagues probably don't need to worry about stashing him yet, but managers in deeper leagues in need of pitching help (specifically strikeouts, not necessarily wins or ERA) could consider stashing the young arm in anticipation of a late-season call-up.
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