I normally want bats, but if Cameron Flukey is there he has to be the pick. The big righty (6ft 6in) from coastal Carolina was considered by most to be the best pitcher in this draft going into the season and profiles as a true top of the order pitcher. He easily hits 100 with the fastball and has a plus curveball and slider to go with it. He also has plus control. He would have easily been a top 5 pick but broke a rib and missed most of the season.
At #22 this guy would be the steal of the draft and will probably be a top 10 overall prospect within a year.
Gracia’s shoulder bothered him this season, so teams are trying to figure out how much better he could become. He is an advanced hitter who might be a center fielder, and he has a feel for pull/lift in games, so adding more power when healthy could be the key to unlocking his potential. Due to those ifs, his projection is varied, but he likely fits in picks 20 to 30.
The Tigers like left-handed hitters, ideally a high school shortstop, but the possible options who fit that are a bit of a stretch. If they want a prep infielder, Marchand could be the fit here, at a discount. Notre Dame RHP Jack Radel is also rumored to be in the mix.
I honestly don’t mind drafting a SS every year lol. Because most of them are very athletic and have good arms they can transition very easily to other positions like outfield.
I didn’t see this thread when I posted this in the phillie series thread.
The 2026 MLB Draft will take place on Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12, with the first day featuring Rounds 1-3 and the second day featuring Rounds 4-20. Day 1 will begin at 1 p.m. ET and will be televised on NBC and Peacock.
The Tigers, following a second straight playoff run in 2025, have three Day 1 picks – a first-round pick (No. 22 overall), a second-round pick (No. 61) and a competitive balance pick (No. 69). Detroit does not have a third-round pick after signing pitcher Framber Valdez to a contract ahead of the 2026 season, forfeiting the No. 98 overall pick after Valdez rejected a qualifying offer from the Houston Astros before signing with the Tigers.
He may actually be there which is wild given how he was seen for two plus years but everyone seems spooked as hell by the contact issues. Top five upside in the draft if he figures that out.
As I’m a Giants fan I’m hoping one of the top three teams goes underslot leaving us Lackey, Roch or Grady. Seems like slim odds though.
Bumila had a UCL injury last week. Had interior brace surgery on the same elbow last week. Seems destined for TJ. Think he still gets offered $3m by somebody but not sure if he takes it. Insane athlete for a 6’8” guy. Averaged 42 points per game in the MA HS state tourney.
Grindinger we should be long gone but probably as a Kyle Tucker type of OF. Carlton has tons of reliever risk bc that is mostly what he’s been. Boleman would be a coup. More polished than most HS guys. Probably gone by 22. Dietz was plagued by injuries throughout his career until this year. If he’s this year’s guy then that is a great pick at 22. Probably got a good shot at him bc the injury list was pretty long from what I understand.
Lefties? Rojas will be gone. Edwards has tons of helium and will be gone. Run to the podium if Bolemon is there. Dietz would be good. Logan Schmidt is really talented and not yet 18. Aside from the above and Carlton and Dietz, that would be the other lefty that I wouldn’t blink at at 22.
Not a lefty but if y’all are okay with a bit of injury risk Logan Reddeman was probably going top 12ish if not for the arm troubles. Doesn’t sound like surgery will be required but that doesn’t mean it’s behind him of course. Cameron Flukey was shut down most of the year. Doubt he slides to 22 but run to the podium if that happens. Again, he’s not a lefty but if you watched the 2025 CWS you remember him. Dominant fastball when right. I like the healthy version of him better than Flora personally.
