Alex Faedo

Faedo made his MLB debut in 2022 and struggled before going down with a hip injury in July. The righty compiled a 5.53 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 44 strikeouts across 53.2 innings. He underwent hip surgery after being unable to pitch through the hip ailment, and it's unclear if he'll be ready in time for spring training. Faedo did begin an offseason throwing program in November, so it at least looks like he's making good progress and is on track to return before the 2023 season begins. However, the 27-year-old has now undergone two major surgeries in his career after having the Tommy John procedure in early 2021. That leaves some doubt around how effective he'll be moving forward. Faedo was a first-round pick in 2017, so there is some upside there if he's fully healthy and able to throw without restrictions. Heading into 2023, Faedo should challenge for a rotation spot behind Eduardo Rodriguez and Matt Manning. Spencer Turnbull and Beau Brieske are also in the mix, but with Casey Mize and Tarik Skubal dealing with injuries, there is some opportunity for Faedo.

Faedo's development was set back by the cancellation of the 2020 minor-league season, and then Tommy John surgery. A first-round pick by the Tigers, Faedo advanced to Double-A in 2019 and showed promise at that level as a 23-year-old, posting a 3.90 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 134:25 K:BB over 115.1 innings. Now 26, Faedo was assigned to Single-A to begin 2022, with the idea being that he'd build up his pitch count there following a multi-year absence from live action before eventually moving up to face more advanced competition. Injuries forced Detroit's hand, and Faedo was summoned to the big leagues for the first time in early May. While the results have been encouraging, Faedo has not shown much of a swing-and-miss punch against big-league hitters so far. Proceed with caution.

The Tigers have quietly assembled some promising arms on the farm, led by Casey Mize and Matt Manning. However, don't sleep on Faedo, especially those in deep keeper and dynasty leagues. The 18th overall pick in the 2017 draft put himself back on the radar, fanning 134 with just 24 walks in 115.1 innings for Double-A Erie. The 24-year-old righty features an average fastball with a plus slider and workable changeup, all thrown with a bit of deception from a lanky 6-foot-5 frame. Faedo's chief deficiency is consistency with his fastball, resulting in 17 homers allowed. He also struggles against left-handed batters. Look for Faedo to get a chance to hone his skills with the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens to open the 2020 campaign. A callup is unlikely, at least before September, but Faedo should be on your watch list.

The Tigers' first-round pick in 2017, Faedo sat out the rest of his draft year due to workload concerns. He made his professional debut last season, starting 12 times for High-A Lakeland and 12 times for Double-A Erie. He didn't look overmatched at High-A, recording a 3.10 ERA at that level, though his ERA slipped to 4.95 with Erie. Combined, he recorded a 4.02 ERA, with a 22.0 K% and 7.0 BB%. His main problem was an inability to keep the ball in the park (15 homers in 60 innings at Double-A). Faedo projects as a back-end starter, with a good slider, a questionable changeup and a mediocre fastball to go along with decent control. There's not much blocking his path to the majors, but the Tigers will want to see better results against Double-A and Triple-A hitters before inserting him into the big-league rotation.