Taking it to the Max: Tigers' No. 2 prospect standing out early at Triple-A
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As Kevin McGonigle, one of the Tigers' prized 2023 Draft picks, makes a name for himself in the Majors, another might soon be joining him in Motown as Max Clark's scorching start to '26 might have reached its first apex of the young season
Detroit's No. 2 prospect blasted his first homer and equaled a career high with four hits in Triple-A Toledo's 6-2 win over Louisville on Friday at Louisville Slugger Field.
MLB's No. 8 prospect has reached safely in 16 of the 17 games he's appeared in during his first taste of Triple-A action, and since going hitless in his first two contests, is slashing .406/.444/.609 with 10 multihit performances.
Clark singled in each of his first three at-bats for the Mud Hens but saved his best for last. The 21-year-old hammered a 3-2 offering 108.4 mph and 414 feet off Bats right-hander Julian Garcia (Reds) for his first roundtripper since last Sept. 5 with Double-A Erie.
Clark had a chance for a fifth hit in the eighth inning but his 103.1 mph grounder found leather, leaving him to settle for his third four-hit game as a pro.
Despite missing out on a fifth hit, Clark's first three weeks in the International League have been nothing short of phenomenal. The third overall pick in the 2023 Draft is batting .377 with a 1.009 OPS, 10 extra-base hits, 13 runs, 10 RBIs, 10 walks and six stolen bases.
The acclaim doesn't stop there. Clark has been a menace to opposing batters in the outfield who leave the batters' box thinking they have a hit but instead walk back to the dugout shaking their heads. Blessed with 70-grade speed and 60-grade defense, the Indiana native has made the spectacular seem routine with several highlight-reel catches on his ledger.
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As good as Clark is on the field, his personality and flair off it only add to his growing aura. He appears to do everything effortlessly, blending athleticism with a confidence that seems to elevate every moment he steps onto the field.
Despite that swagger, the lefty-swinging outfielder has also shown a willingness to learn and adjust his game. Given an outside shot at making the Tigers' Opening Day roster alongside McGonigle (DET No. 1/MLB No. 2), Clark stumbled in Spring Training, going 2-for-18, ending whatever hopes he might have had.
However, he also took it in stride, knowing that it's all part of the process. He added another tattoo to his growing collection the day after he was reassigned to Minor League camp last month.
It reads: “Every fall is a chance to rise."
The way Clark is playing, it’s clear he’s not just rising -- he’s taking off.