The Tiger’s had two representatives in the MLB Future’s game last year and this year will be adding another player to that mix. Josue Briceno will be joining Max Clark and Kevin Mcgonigle in the 2025 MLB Futures Game. Briceno is a big strong catching prospect that was apart of Al Avila’s final international signing prospects before he departed from the organization. The Maracuay, Venezuela native (Miguel Cabrera’s hometown) was signed back in 2022 for $800,000 by the Detroit Tigers. After an injury-ladened 2024 season battling knee issues, Briceno would have a historical Fall League Season in Arizona. After hitting only 2 home-runs in 40 games at West Michigan. Briceno accomplished the first Triple Crown 32 years of AFL’s existence. Briceno hit for a .433 average, 10 homeruns, and 27 RBIs. He would also go on to participate in their Homerun Derby. Briceno has continued his power surge this season slashing .281/.405/.995. Good for 50 total hits, a Midwest League leading 14 home-runs, and 51 RBIs.

Josue Briceño this year at West Michigan
.276/.400/.592 .992 OPS
.441 wOBA 169 wRC+

most talented prospect trio in baseball. pic.twitter.com/rhNwZyHUzs https://t.co/ow7k0EVcD0

— cyjobe (@tigersslab) June 29, 2025

Briceno started the Fall Ball Season slotted as the #9 ranked prospect, but has now jumped to #4 in the Tiger’s system, surpassing another Catcher/1B prospect in Thayron Liranzo. His expected debut date still projects to be some time in 2027, but depending on how he adjust to Double A pitching, will determine exactly how quickly he will advance in the incoming year. Either way he’s certain to have secured a spot on the Spring Training roster spot with the parent club in the upcoming year. Briceno has split time between Catcher and 1st base but given his knee issues and limitations defensively, he will likely break the league at First Base or at DH. Also given his physical profile of 6’4 200 pounds at the young age of 20, it better suits a full transition to the corner infield when it’s all said and done.  In the meantime, he will continue to punish Low A ball pitching as the West Michigan White Caps dominate the Midwest League. They have already secured a postseason spot, which is their first playoff birth since 2018.  Tune into the MLB Network at 4pm on July 12th to catch Briceno in action.