A year ago, the Tigers had the pick of the litter in the MLB Draft and quickly scooped up Casey Mize. This year they'll pick fifth, another chance to grab a potential star.
The draft kicks off Monday, June 3. Here are five players the Tigers could target.
It's well known on the draft circuit that the Tigers are big fans of Greene. They've sent personnel to see him play frequently this season. Some say the 18-year-old is the best high school hitter on the board. He's got big-time power from the left side of the plate, to all areas of the field. His defense leaves something to be desired, but Greene's bat might put those concerns to rest.
Speaking of power, Vaughn might be the heaviest hitter in this class. He's batting .387 with an absurd 1.28 OPS as a junior this season at Cal. The Tigers have a clear need for big bats in their farm system, especially at Vaughn's position. He's good enough to go in the top three picks, but reports say his stock has started to slide just a bit. If he's there at No. 5, the Tigers will have to give it some serious thought.
If the Tigers are looking for athleticism and raw talent, Abrams is probably their guy. He's considered one of the most exciting players in this draft. With elite speed and more pop than you might expect, this is a potential leadoff hitter for years to come. Whether Abrams sticks at shortstop long term remains to be seen, but he has the makings of a sparkplug either way.
Hey look, another power hitter. In his junior season at Vanderbilt, Bleday leads the country with 26 homers. His left-handed swing is quick and compact, and he rarely strays outside the strike zone. Bleday profiles as a corner outfielder, and the Tigers may soon have room for one depending how things play out with Nicholas Castellanos.
It's a shallow draft at the top for pitchers, with the distinct possibility of six position players going in the first six picks for the first time ever. But might the Tigers take a look at Lodolo? For as many young arms as they have in the system, the best ones are all righties. Lodolo, a 6'6 lefty who's been clocked at 96 mph, has established himself as the best college pitcher on the board.