Why the Tigers Need to Call Up Max Clark Now
The Detroit Tigers are running out of time to stop their season from falling apart. Once viewed as the clear favorite in the American League Central, Detroit now sits 10.5 games back in the division.
Since losing ace Tarik Skubal, the Tigers are 2-16 and rank near the bottom in almost every offensive category. After every game, any hope of Detroit breaking out feels like it is continuously slipping away.
That is why they can no longer wait to bring up Max Clark, one of the highest-rated prospects in baseball. Clark is not only the Tigers' top prospect, but he also ranks No. 8 on MLB Pipeline's top 100 prospects list.
Putting this much pressure on a 21-year-old to help save a season is a tall order. But for those who know Clark, he is built for big moments.
Why the Tigers Need to Call Up Max Clark Immediately
The Tigers entered the season as the betting favorites to win the AL Central. They were also viewed as a serious threat to capture the American League pennant.
Detroit invested heavily for the first time in years to chase its first World Series title since 1984. The primary reason they went all in is because this is the final year of Tarik Skubal's contract.
With the two-time Cy Young winner set to cash in this offseason, the Tigers knew this was the year to go for it. That is why they cannot give up yet.
Skubal will not be back for at least another month. Until then, Detroit must find a way to stay afloat. The perfect player to rally behind is a young, budding superstar getting hot at the right time.
Last night, Max Clark went 2-for-4 with a 395-foot home run for Triple-A Toledo. He has now recorded a hit in 11 of his last 12 games and is hitting .283/.333/.453 over that span.
Max Clark launches one deep to right to start his night.
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 24, 2026
MLB's No. 8 prospect (@tigers) is 5-for-14 in his past four games for the @MudHens. pic.twitter.com/SHXmPWSypX
Overall, Clark is hitting .272/.342/.400 with a .742 OPS, two home runs and 11 stolen bases this season. The numbers may not jump off the page, but Clark has looked advanced for his age at the highest level of the minors.
He also has one of the best gloves in center field across all of Minor League Baseball.
The Tigers' offense has been nothing short of horrid since the start of May. Since the start of the month, Detroit ranks 28th in average (.207), 29th in wRC+ (70), 29th in runs (65) and 30th in slugging percentage (.306).
Matt Vierling has played his fair share of center field for Detroit and owns a .658 OPS this season. He may not be the biggest issue with the Tigers' offense right now. But with the team struggling to find any offense, Detroit needs its best nine players in the lineup every day.
There is no guarantee Clark can come up and save this team. But the Tigers certainly will not save themselves if they keep playing this way.
While it is a big hole to climb out of, Detroit should not call it quits yet. Clark can provide the spark this team so desperately needs.
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This story was originally published May 25, 2026 at 2:27 PM.