The Detroit Tigers are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to improve their roster for not only this upcoming season, but also to add to their already deep talent pool in the minors.

The Tigers have recently made headlines with the signing of 16-year-old prospect Cris Rodriguez, a move that not only shows their interest in international talent, but also a potential new era for the team’s farm system.

Rodriguez, a towering 6-foot-4 outfielder from the Dominican Republic, has been signed for a significant amount of around $3.2 million, a show of faith to the high expectations the Tigers have for his future in the MLB.

This signing is seen as an investment in the future, as Rodriguez is among the top talents in the international free-agent class. He is known for his power swing that some have likened to all-time great Alex Rodriguez.

The Tigers’ decision to invest heavily in young, international prospects like Rodriguez reflects a broader trend in MLB, where teams are increasingly looking abroad for the next generation of stars.

Rodriguez’s signing is noteworthy because of his raw power and potential, He is only 16 years old and has been compared to some all-time greats.

Scouts have been impressed with his ability to hit for both average and power, traits that, if harnessed correctly, could see him fast-tracking through the minor leagues. His physical attributes and baseball IQ make him a prime candidate for development, with the Tigers setting up facilities like their new baseball academy in the Dominican Republic to aid in this process.

From a fan’s perspective, the signing of Rodriguez has added some excitement into the Tigers’ community, after recent call ups of home-grown talent paid off last year in a big way.

While it is likely to be years before Rodriguez makes his debut in a Tigers uniform, the buzz around his potential has already started while the big league team can lean on their current young talent of Riley Greene, Jace Jung, and Colt Keith.

However, that was not the only recent move these tigers made that may have flown under the radar.

The Detroit Tigers have made a splash by signing Kenny Serwa, a 27 year old YouTube sensation known for his baseball trick shots. Serwa’s channel, which boasts millions of subscribers, has showcased his remarkable talent and creativity. If you are also a Lions fan, think the baseball version of Kickalicious from 2013.

His unique blend of skill and pitch manipulation has not only captured the attention of fans but also caught the eye of Tigers’ scouts. The signing, while unconventional, shows the Tigers’ willingness to think outside the box for talent.

Serwa, primarily known for his pitching trick shots, has now been given a chance to prove his worth on the biggest stage of baseball, with the Tigers offering him a minor league contract.

While there’s skepticism about how his YouTube skills will translate into professional baseball success, the Tigers are betting on his raw talent and the potential for him to develop under outstanding coaching.

If Serwa can channel his viral fame into consistent baseball performance, he could become a unique bridge between traditional sports and modern internet culture.