Jack Alan Little Bio
Jack Alan Little is an American professional baseball pitcher currently in the Detroit Tigers organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Little played college baseball at Stanford University and was selected by the Dodgers in the fifth round of the 2019 MLB draft. Over the course of his career, he has faced challenges including Tommy John surgery, but has made significant contributions on the mound after his recovery.
Early Life and Background
Jack Alan Little was born on January 10, 1998, in the United States. Little developed a passion for baseball at a young age and honed his skills throughout his youth career. His dedication to the sport led him to pursue higher-level competition at the collegiate level.
Little attended Stanford University where he played college baseball for the Stanford Cardinal. His performance with the Cardinal demonstrated his potential as a future professional pitcher. In the summer of 2018, Little played collegiate summer baseball with the Falmouth Commodores of the Cape Cod Baseball League, one of the premier summer leagues for college players. His success in Cape Cod helped increase his visibility among MLB scouts.
Path to Professional Baseball
Little’s standout performances at Stanford and during his summer with Falmouth Commodores caught the attention of MLB teams. The Los Angeles Dodgers selected Little in the fifth round with the 161st overall pick in the 2019 Major League Baseball draft. This selection marked his entry into professional baseball and the beginning of his journey through the Dodgers organization.
Little signed with the Dodgers shortly after being drafted and began his professional career in the minor leagues. He joined a system known for developing talented pitchers, where he would work to refine his craft and progress toward the ultimate goal of reaching Major League Baseball.
Jack Alan Little Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Little split his first professional season in 2019 between the rookie-level Arizona League Dodgers and Single-A Great Lakes Loons. He began adapting to the speed and complexity of professional baseball while gaining valuable game experience against hitters of varying skill levels.
The 2020 minor league season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, preventing Little from playing. This interruption came during a critical development period for the young pitcher. Little returned to action in 2021 with the Great Lakes Loons, now classified as High-A. He posted a 3–1 record with a 6.75 earned run average and 31 strikeouts across 30 and two-thirds innings pitched in 24 games. His recovery from the lost 2020 season showed promise for continued progression.
Tommy John Surgery and Recovery (2022–2023)
Little missed the entirety of the 2022 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, a common but significant procedure for pitchers involving the reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow. The surgery required an extensive rehabilitation process that tested his physical and mental fortitude.
Little made his return to competition in 2023 with the Double-A Tulsa Drillers. He appeared in 20 relief outings but struggled during his recovery season, compiling an 0–1 record and a 7.71 earned run average with 18 strikeouts across 18 and two-thirds innings. The statistics reflected the challenges many pitchers face when returning from the lengthy recovery required after Tommy John surgery.
Los Angeles Dodgers (2024–2025)
Little showed significant improvement during the 2024 campaign. He split the season between Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City, accumulating a combined 3–2 record and a 3.79 earned run average with 63 strikeouts and five saves across 47 appearances. The bounce-back season demonstrated his resilience and ability to overcome adversity.
Little began the 2025 season with Oklahoma City, where he excelled with a 3–2 record and a 2.20 earned run average along with 33 strikeouts and 10 saves over 26 appearances. His dominant performance earned him a promotion to the major leagues. On June 19, 2025, he was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to MLB for the first time. Little made his debut that night against the San Diego Padres, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk in two innings. He recorded his first career MLB strikeout against Martín Maldonado. Little appeared in two games for the Dodgers before being designated for assignment on August 4, 2025.
Pittsburgh Pirates (2025)
On August 6, 2025, the Pittsburgh Pirates claimed Little off waivers. He made 14 appearances for the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians, compiling a 2–1 record and a 2.79 earned run average with 14 strikeouts across 19 and one-third innings pitched. His solid performance with Indianapolis provided him with additional minor league experience.
Detroit Tigers (2025–Present)
On November 6, 2025, Little was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Tigers. However, he was designated for assignment by the Tigers on November 18, 2025, and was non-tendered by Detroit on November 21, making him a free agent. On December 16, 2025, Little re-signed with the Tigers on a minor league contract, securing his place in the organization for the 2026 season and beyond.
Pitching Style and Strengths
Little features a power arsenal that has enabled him to record numerous strikeouts throughout his minor league career. His ability to miss bats and generate swings and misses has been a consistent tool throughout his development. The left-handed pitcher has shown the capacity to work effectively from the bullpen, recording multiple saves in recent seasons. His durability and recovery from Tommy John surgery demonstrate his mental toughness and commitment to the sport.
Jack Alan Little Career Statistics
Little has accumulated professional experience across multiple levels of minor league baseball, including rookie ball, Single-A, High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A. His journey through the minors spanned six seasons before earning his first MLB call-up in 2025.
Major League Baseball Statistics
Little made his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in June 2025. In his brief time in the majors, he appeared in two games, allowing two runs on four hits in three innings pitched. He finished his MLB stint with a 0–0 win-loss record and a 6.00 earned run average, recording two strikeouts.
| Level | Games | Record | ERA | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLB (2025) | 2 | 0–0 | 6.00 | 2 |
| Triple-A (2024–2025) | 73 | 6–4 | 3.25 | 97 |
| Double-A (2023–2024) | 40 | 3–3 | 5.25 | 43 |
Jack Alan Little Family
Personal Life
Little pursued his baseball career while attending Stanford University, where he balanced athletics with academics at one of the nation’s premier institutions. His decision to attend Stanford demonstrates his dedication to both his sport and his education. Little maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans through his Instagram account. Beyond his baseball career, he has shown resilience in overcoming the physical challenges that come with professional pitching.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a breakthrough year for Jack Alan Little. After years of development through the minor leagues, he earned his first MLB promotion with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His early-season dominance at Triple-A Oklahoma City, including a 2.20 earned run average and 10 saves, convinced the Dodgers to add him to their 40-man roster. Little’s MLB debut against the San Diego Padres marked the culmination of his professional journey since being drafted in 2019.
Following his time with the Dodgers, Little navigated the waiver wire, being claimed by both the Pittsburgh Pirates and Detroit Tigers within the same season. His performance with Indianapolis Indians showed he could still miss bats at the Triple-A level, recording a 2.79 earned run average in 14 appearances. The non-tender from Detroit created uncertainty about his immediate future, but his re-signing with the Tigers on a minor league contract ensured he would have an opportunity to compete for a major league roster spot in 2026.