DETROIT -- The Tigers are promoting slugging catcher/first base prospect Josue Briceño to Triple-A Toledo, a source confirmed to MLB.com, putting their No. 4 prospect (and MLB’s No. 54 prospect overall) a call away from the big leagues after a scorching stretch at Double-A Erie.
The Tigers have not yet officially announced the promotion, reported Sunday evening by Tigers Minor League Report.
Briceño, who soared up prospect rankings after winning a Triple Crown in the Arizona Fall League in 2024, made an early impression in Spring Training as a non-roster invite to the Tigers’ big league camp, including a home run off Tarik Skubal in live batting practice, before a wrist injury cut his camp short and delayed his season.
Briceño underwent surgery in March to repair the extensor carpi ulnaris subsheath in his right wrist. He began a rehab assignment at the end of June, returned to action for Erie on July 17, hit a grand slam as part of a three-hit performance in his second game back and never stopped hitting.
Briceño batted .297 (19-for-64) with eight homers and 19 RBIs in just 17 games for the SeaWolves, including five homers in seven games since Aug. 1. With Toledo’s catching situation in transition following the promotion of No. 14 prospect Eduardo Valencia to Detroit last month to become Dillon Dingler’s backup, the time was right for Briceño to get a late-season look at Triple-A pitching.
The Tigers signed veteran backup Seby Zavala to a Minor League contract a few days ago to catch in Toledo alongside 2023 Draft pick Bennett Lee.
Valencia is one of several former Mud Hens who have found roles in Detroit’s late-season charge into a playoff race after in-season promotions, including top prospect Max Clark, infielder Hao-Yu Lee and outfielder Ben Malgeri.