Casey Mize

How Casey Mize plays at SP earns him a B- performance grade. The 29-year-old right-hander is posting respectable stuff metrics this season—49 strikeouts across nine games in 2026—that place him squarely in the above-average starter tier, though injury interruptions and a modest 2-win record prevent him from cracking the elite tier. His strikeout production stands as his clearest strength; the velocity and movement that made him a first-overall pick in 2018 remain present and effective, evident in both his early-season brilliance and the continued whiff rate. The central vulnerability remains durability and consistency—a right groin injury sidelined him in late May just as he was building momentum, and even when healthy, he's been victimized by thin run support and relief corps failures that erased what should have been a quality start. At this stage of his career, Mize sits in that treacherous contract-year limbo: a six-year veteran with legitimate stuff capable of franchise-starter-level performances, but a track record of flashes followed by setbacks that has left Detroit's fanbase hopeful yet skeptical. With the Tigers struggling at 29-40 and the stretch run ahead, Mize's ability to stay healthy and string together consistent innings will determine whether he finally capitalizes on his immense pedigree or remains a cautionary tale of unfulfilled promise from the top of a draft class.

Peers ranked by Performance grade among players at the same position. Tap any name for their full profile.