By: Trevor Hooth
The Detroit Tigers made a big splash on Day 1 of the MLB Draft by taking Auburn star Casey Mize with the No. 1 overall pick. They followed it up by taking outfielder Parker Meadows, the younger brother of Pirates outfielder Austin Meadows.
Having the top pick in each round comes with the assumption, and the responsibility, of making a splash. On Day 2, the Tigers certainly lived up to that hype. Day 2 starts with Round 3, and ends with Round 10. While every pick has their upside, are a few key names to keep an eye on. This draft class is insanely talented, so potential stars will be coming from every direction.
Round 3: Cody Clemens, 2B
There is no getting past that last name, Cody is the son of former MLB pitcher Roger Clemens. MLB Pipeline ranks him in their top 200, at No. 179. Being the son of a power pitcher, it would make sense that his top tool is his power from the left side of the plate.
Clemens went under the knife for Tommy John surgery during his college career, which is why his position is listed at second base. However, his defensive ability will be lessened by his below average speed. For that reason, many scouts believe he will wind up playing third when all is said and done.
Round 5: Adam Wolf, LHP
Adam Wolf is a product of Louisville, a school that churns out baseball talent. And if being a lefty from a top school is not enough, he is 6’6” 225 pounds. He has an excellent frame to throw from, and the Tigers coaching has a lot to work with.
His best pitch is a cutter, which he learned very recently. Wolf did a Google search of “Mariano Rivera cutter” and taught himself the pitch. With that kind of pitch, he at least has a bright future out of the bullpen.
Round 6: Hugh Smith, RHP
Going into the 2018 draft, Hugh Smith was a known commodity. What makes him interesting is his story. He is the first Division III player to be selected, but he is a Division I talent. When he started college, he was 6’3” tall, but he now stands at 6’10”. That growth spurt really helped him come into his own on the mound.
Smith can ramp his fastball up to 97 MPH on a consistent basis. The fact that he started without the velocity gives him a huge mental edge on the mound. It is not often a hard thrower can think, but Smith can. His future is wide open. Whether he is a starter, or a bullpen guy, he is an extremely interesting prospect.
Round 10: Brock Deatherage, OF
The Detroit Tigers last pick of the day, Brock Deatherage, is a good pick for more than just his name. He is a product of North Carolina State Univeristy, and he flashed some speed during his last season by swiping 18 bases.
His true calling card will be his bat. He hit just over .300 in college, which is not outstanding by college standards, but he was playing the tough SEC conference. As his he learns a more advanced approach in the professional ranks, his bat speed and smooth swing will be something to watch.
Trevor Hooth is a former baseball player at Millikin University, and currently an employee of the Toledo Mud Hens (Tigers Triple-A affiliate).