Detroit Tigers’ top prospect Zyhir Hope, the centerpiece of that huge Tarik Skubal trade, absolutely crushed his first home run of the Arizona Fall League on Monday, October 12. This kid is still swinging into October, and we’re covering it right here on Seattle On Tap, because good baseball is good baseball, no matter the jersey. Hope’s two-run shot in the first inning for the Scottsdale Scorpions came off a 95-mph fastball from Dodgers prospect Brooks Auger. The ball left Hope’s bat at a blistering 101 mph and went to the opposite field in left. Talk about making a statement!
Hope’s Early AFL Numbers Show Why He’s the Real Deal
Through just five games in the AFL, Hope’s putting up some serious numbers. He’s already got five RBIs and an impressive .873 OPS. This isn’t just about power, either; he’s showing patience at the plate, too. Hope’s got eight strikeouts, yeah, but he’s also drawn five walks, giving him a solid .444 on-base percentage. For a 21-year-old outfielder, that’s incredibly promising. MLB Pipeline has him ranked as the Tigers’ No. 1 prospect, a spot he earned after Max Clark moved up to the major leagues late in the 2026 season. This is exactly what you want to see from your top guy in a developmental league.
The Skubal Trade Keeps Looking Better for Detroit
Hope’s a big part of the Tigers’ future, snagged from the Los Angeles Dodgers back in early August in the Skubal deal. He came over with pitching prospects Brady Smith and River Ryan. And if his AFL start isn’t enough, check out his 2026 season numbers: 29 homers, a massive 111 RBIs, and 26 stolen bases. He finished the season playing with Double-A Erie, so he’s clearly been putting in the work. He’s one of eight Tigers’ minor-leaguers participating in the Arizona Fall League, which is a great sign for their farm system. Their No. 2 prospect, shortstop Bryce Rainer, also made some noise on Monday with an RBI double, and he’s got a .698 OPS through four games. The Scottsdale Scorpions, featuring prospects from teams like the Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays, are off to a hot start, too, with a 5-1 record.
The Arizona Fall League just kicked off last weekend and it runs through early November. You can bet fans will be watching to see if Hope can keep up this pace. With numbers like these, the Tigers have to be stoked about what he’s showing in Arizona. He’s definitely one to keep an eye on as the Fall League continues.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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