Tigers Draft 'Power-Hitting Infielder' Nick Quintana In Second Round

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After drafting high schooler Riley Greene fifth overall Monday night, the Tigers dipped into the college ranks in the second round. With the 47th overall pick, they selected third baseman Nick Quintana from the University of Arizona. 

Quintana is coming off terrific junior season during which he hit .342 with a 1.09 OPS. His 77 RBI ranked first in the Pac-12 and fifth in the country. 

Tigers director of amateur scouting Scott Pleis said the team loves Quintana's pop. 

“Nick’s profile as a power-hitting infielder is something we really think is going to play well during his transition to professional baseball,” said Pleis. "He’s a quality defender and can really handle the bat, and we project he’s going to be a ballplayer that Tigers fans will enjoy watching play for quite some time.”

Quintana ranked No. 77 among this year's draft prospects, according to MLB Pipeline. On top of his plus power, he's developed into a strong fielder at the hot corner after moving from shortstop in high school. 

He was named first-team All-Pac 12 as a sophomore in 2018. 

Per MLB Pipeline, "Quintana plays with a confidence that scouts like and there's no question he can stay at third long-term. Some small adjustments at the plate could turn him into a very intriguing run-producer at the infield corner spot."

The draft continues on Tuesday afternoon with rounds 3-10, followed by rounds 11-40 on Wednesday.