Moya was just called up by the Tigers on May 12^th after a hot start this year for the Mud Hens, slashing .310/.341/.627 with nine home runs, five walks and 29 strikeouts through his first 126 ABs. Moya’s calling card is his raw power, which rivals that of any other prospect in the minor leagues. He also has plus arm strength that profiles perfectly for right field.

However, I personally don’t see Moya adjusting well to the big leagues and having the ability to hit enough to tap into that raw power, and be able to stick as an everyday corner outfielder. From my first-hand looks at Moya, he is easily beat on the inner half with velocity and breaking balls out of the zone. His large frame creates a long swing and large strike zone making it tough from a plate coverage standpoint. Defensively, Moya appears to be a fringe defender with his range and routes thought the plus arm is there.

While I’m not sold on Moya as an everyday corner outfielder, however, it’s worth it for the Tigers to bring him up while he’s currently having success at the plate to see if he can carry over to the big league level. At the very least, he’ll provide value as a left-handed hitting power bat off the bench that can fill in at the corner outfield spot. – Chaz Fiorino