Jordan Yost introduces himself as Detroit Tigers prospect with grand slam
Jordan Yost introduces himself as Detroit Tigers prospect with grand slam
Evan Petzold, Detroit Free PressMon, March 16, 2026 at 11:05 PM UTC
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TAMPA, FL – Detroit Tigers prospect Jordan Yost hit a grand slam in his first plate appearance of MLB spring training. His family members celebrated from the stands in front of the press box, repeating the same phrase after the ball landed in the right-field bleachers.
I can't believe it.
I can't believe it.
I can't believe it.
"I didn't hear many people running around the bases," Yost said. "I knew what was going on – just overjoyed, excited running the bases. I wouldn't say I blacked out, but it was a good moment."
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Tigers prospect Jordan Yost practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
The Tigers called up Yost as an extra player from minor-league camp for Sunday's 12-1 win over the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field, planning to get him a plate appearance as the designated hitter in the later innings of the game.
The 19-year-old – a left-handed hitting shortstop – is the Tigers' No. 9 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, but he is still awaiting his professional debut in the minor leagues after the Tigers selected him No. 24 overall in the 2025 draft out of high school.
In Sunday's game, the Tigers gave him an early taste of life in the big leagues – pinch-hitting for Kerry Carpenter with no outs and the bases loaded in the eighth inning against the Yankees.
"It was exciting," said Yost, who learned Saturday afternoon from assistant general manager Ryan Garko and minor-league field coordinator Travis Chapman that he would travel for Sunday's game. "Fun to be out there and get an opportunity. Made the most of it, I guess."
It was a hometown moment in a familiar ballpark.
The Tigers drafted Yost out of Sickles High School in Tampa, just 10 miles away from George M. Steinbrenner Field, home of the Yankees in spring training, where he played high school tournaments.
"It's always nice for these guys to come over and get a look at what big leaguers look like and who they aspire to be," manager A.J. Hinch said. "I try to get these guys in the game as best I can."
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Before the game, Yost took ground balls at shortstop with Javier Báez.
He finally entered the game after two rain delays.
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Hinch joked that the only fans left in the stands would be Yost's family and friends. He had his parents, grandparents, friends and high school coach in attendance.
"I'm glad they waited," Hinch said.
It was a two-pitch plate appearance: Yost watched a fastball sail above the strike zone for a ball, then turned on an up-and-in 95 mph fastball from right-handed reliever Zach Messinger for a grand slam. He pulled the pitch 379 feet to right field with a 102.1 mph exit velocity.
He wasn't trying to hit a grand slam.
The result was a product of his approach.
"Just do my job," Yost said. "I know it's bases loaded, no outs. If anything, get the ball to the outfield, put together a good at-bat. ... I was ready for the heater, and I was able to put a good swing on it."
Did he know it was going to be a home run when he made contact?
"Yeah, I got it pretty good," Yost said.
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Beyond the home run, Yost – known for his contact and plate disciple, but not power – showcased a different body than he had when the Tigers drafted him in July 2025.
A lot has changed in eight months.
"I gained about 13 pounds," Yost said. "That was the main priority, especially coming into the spring. My offseason goal was just to get bigger, stronger, and I think that's helped in all areas. I've actually gotten faster, too. The strength coaches are great. They're working with me every single day to try to get me bigger and stronger, and I think it's paying off."
He also added a toe tap to his swing mechanics.
The toe tap is a timing mechanism that helps hitters be ready for high-velocity fastballs – just like the one he crushed for a grand slam in Sunday's 12-1 win over the Yankees in MLB spring training.
"It's produced some good results so far," Yost said.
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Tigers prospect Jordan Yost hits grand slam in MLB spring training
Source: “AOL Sports”
