Gardenhire joined the club in 2018, four years after a 13-year stint with the rival Minnesota Twins, and led the Tigers to a 132-241 record in two-plus seasons.
"This is tough," Gardenhiresaid. "It's a tough day for me. Didn't expect it, to be honest, when I walked in today. But I know the way I've been feeling. I don't want to feel like I'm running out on everybody, but I know I have to take care of my health."
The 62-year-old cancer survivorsaidhe's been feeling off since a bout of food poisoning while in Minnesota, and that the stress of the job has become too much.
"I have to do what's right for me," Gardenhiresaid.
An infielder for the New York Mets from 1981 to 1985, Gardenhire became a beloved manager with the Twins, helping the franchise win a World Series as an assistant coach in 1991 before being named manager in 2002. He'd stay in Minnesota until 2014, winning American League Manager of the Year in 2010 while leading the team to six division titles.
The 2020 season was the last year of his contract.
Statement from Tigers Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager, Al Avila. pic.twitter.com/3jKqOzSu71
Detroit (21-29) is in the midst of a rebuild led by two of its top prospects in pitchers Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize, as the club sits in fourth in the AL Central.
Gardenhire finishes with a career record of 1,200-1,280.
Tigers' No. 2 Prospect Casey Mize Called Up; Will Make MLB Debut on Wednesday
Aug 17, 2020
Detroit Tigers pitcher Casey Mize throws during baseball training camp, Monday, July 6, 2020, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
The Detroit Tigers' top pitching prospect was called up from the team's alternate site and will be making his first MLB start Wednesday against the Chicago White Sox.
Welcome to The Show!
The #Tigers today announced that three top prospects are scheduled to make their debuts this week: No. 2 RHP Casey Mize, No. 5 LHP Tarik Skubal and No. 6 INF Isaac Paredes. pic.twitter.com/CLkyTF6Dx7
The club also called up pitcher Tarik Skubal and infielder Isaac Paredes. Skubal is set to make his first start Tuesday.
"No. 1, obviously, we have the greatest need right now," Tigers general manager Al Avilatold reportersof the pitchers. "More importantly, we felt that both pitchers are ready to pitch at this time. We feel they're ready to contribute."
Mize is ranked as the No. 8 overall prospect in baseball by MLB.com and the second-ranked prospect in the Tigers organization, behind corner infielder Spencer Torkelson. The righty was the first overall pick in the 2018 MLB draft and rapidly ascended in Detroit's minor league system. Mize was 8-3 with a 2.72 ERA and 0.94 WHIP in 22 starts last season, striking out 107 batters in 109.1 innings.
Avila said the club hopes Avila and Skubal stick with the major league team but would not commit to them being on the roster the remainder of the season. It's possible, if not likely, the Tigers will attempt to avoid both young arms accruing a year of service time.
The Tigers have one of the worst pitching rotations in baseball, currently posting a 5.52 team ERA. They have only had two quality starts through their first 19 games.
Tigers' Tyler Alexander Struck Out 9 Straight vs. Reds, Ties AL Record
Aug 2, 2020
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tyler Alexander throws against the Cincinnati Reds in the fourth inning of the first baseball game of a doubleheader in Detroit, Sunday, Aug. 2, 2020. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Alexander's final line was absurd: 3.2 innings, 10 strikeouts, no hits, no runs, one walk and one hit batter. The Tigers did end up losing the game, however, 4-3.
Alexander, 26, came into the majors as a starter but was utilized in a reliever role across 13 appearances last year, going 1-4 with a 4.86 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 47 strikeouts in 53.2 innings. The Tigers have been using him as a reliever again in 2020, which has been an adjustment, though he's growing comfortable in the role.
"It's always good to find out what your role is," he said Wednesday, perEvan Petzoldof theDetroit Free Press. "I can kind of zero in on a routine and get set and comfortable with what I am. As of right now, I like where I'm at."
Alexander would like to start eventually, but for now he's good with coming out of the bullpen.
"Right now, we got some really good starters," he said. "I'm happy where I'm at. Personally, I think I'm physically in a good spot, and I can start if they want to give me the chance."
After Sunday's performance, the Tigers may not want to tinker with Alexander's role too much.
Tigers' Ron Gardenhire 'It's Not Easy' to Wear Mask in Dugout Because of Heat
Jul 9, 2020
DETROIT, MI - JULY 03: Manager Ron Gardenhire #15 of the Detroit Tigers looks on during the Detroit Tigers Summer Workouts at Comerica Park on July 3, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Wearing a mask during his team's intrasquad exhibition game on Wednesday didn't go particularly well for Detroit Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire.
Gardenhire said on 97.1 The Ticket's Jamie and Stoney Show that wearing a mask in the dugout was "really hard" and cited the difficulty of doing so during day games in the summer:
"It's also 90-something degrees, they got me in a mask in the dugout. That's a big difference. When it's cold I don't mind wearing that thing, but when it's hot it's not that easy to do. The conversations you have in the dugout are different and I don't want someone saying, 'What, what?' and I have to take my mask off every time. So those are the conversations I'm going to be having, trying to figure this thing out and making sure we can do the right thing."
Anybody who's recently enjoyed the outdoors while donning a protective mask can empathize with Gardenhire. However, the 62-year-old will likely have to get used to the new normal with MLB starting play during the pandemic. He has been an MLB manager or assistant coach since 1991, except for two years.
MLB's operations manual outlines how managers and coaches arerequired to wearmasks in the dugout at all times. The league also laid out specific seating arrangements in the dugout so that coaches and players could maintain social distancing.
Even the process of laying out his team's lineup will be altered slightly for Gardenhire, with the traditional lineup card exchange between teams at home plate being eliminated for this season.
Gardenhire will have a few more weeks to grow a little more comfortable with his present situation. Detroit has two warm-up games with the Cincinnati Reds on July 21 and 22 before getting the regular season underway on July 24 with a three-game set against Cincinnati.
Tigers 1st MLB Team Ever to Partner with Sportsbook After PointsBet Contract
Jul 2, 2020
FILE - In this Sept. 16, 2020, file photo, fans at Comerica Park watch a baseball game between the Detroit Tigers and the Baltimore Orioles in Detroit. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is allowing for the return of pro sports in Michigan as long as fans aren't in attendance. The move Thursday, June 25, 2020, follows Major League Baseball's decision this week to set a 60-game schedule to start July 23 or July 24 in empty ballparks. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)
The Detroit Tigers are the first team in Major League Baseball history to form a partnership with a bookmaker.
Per ESPN's David Purdum, PointsBet will have signage displayed at Comerica Park and be featured on affiliated content with the Tigers organization, including the Detroit Tigers Radio Network.
"I view baseball as arguably the most disruptable sport when it comes to innovation around betting," PointsBet CEO Johnny Aitken told Purdum. "I think there's a huge amount of innovation that can happen around baseball betting."
Purdum noted that last year PointsBet "offered betting odds on individual at-bats throughout MLB games" with wagers ranging from the batter hitting a home run to striking out.
Sports betting was made legal in the state of Michigan when Governor Gretchen Whitmersigneda bill into law last December.
Per theAmerican Gaming Association, a total of 18 states and the District of Columbia allow legal sports betting. Four other states have approved legal sports betting but it's not yet operational, while 15 others have active legislation that has yet to be signed into law.
While Major League Baseball still maintains rules prohibiting all employees, including players, from betting, the league didenter into an official deal with MGM Resorts International in 2018 to serve as the official gaming partner.
Spencer Torkelson Signs Tigers Contract; Reportedly Includes Record $8.4M Bonus
Jun 30, 2020
Arizona State first baseman Spencer Torkelson during an NCAA college baseball game against Notre Dame, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Three weeks after the Detroit Tigers selected him No. 1 overall in the 2020 MLB draft, Spencer Torkelson has signed with the team.
Per MLB.com's Jim Callis, Torkelson's $8,415,300 signing bonus is the largest given to a drafted player since Major League Baseball implemented the bonus pool system in 2012.
Slotvaluefor the No. 1 overall pick this year was $8,415,300, which Callis noted also makes Torkelson the first top choice to receive full slot under this system.
The previous record-holder for the largest bonus in the slotting system was Adley Rutschman, who received $8.1 million from the Baltimore Orioles last year.
Stephen Strasburg holds the overall record formost guaranteed moneyat signing when he inked a deal with the Washington Nationals in 2009 for $15.1 million. The right-hander received $7.5 million at signing and three payouts of $2.5 million from September 2009 to January 2011.
The Tigers clearly hold Torkelson in high regard after making him the No. 1 pick.
MLB Network'sJon Heymannoted the Arizona State alum will "likely" be added to Detroit's 60-player pool for the season restart. The team'sinitial list includes 58 players, but it was released before Torkelson was officially under contract.
In three seasons at Arizona State, Torkelson hit .337/.463/.729 with 54 home runs, 130 RBI, 110 walks and 104 strikeouts.
Unnamed Tigers Player, Non-Baseball Staff Member Test Positive for COVID-19
Jun 24, 2020
Detroit Tigers hat and glove waits for a player during warm ups before a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, Calif., Friday, May 12, 2017. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)
Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila told reporters Wednesday that an unnamed Tigers player and non-baseball staff member have tested positive for COVID-19.
According to MLB.com's Jason Beck, Avila noted the player was in Florida but wasn't present at the Tigers' training facility in Lakeland. Avila also said the player is still recovering, as he was recently diagnosed.
MLB's operations have been suspended since March because of the coronavirus pandemic, but the owners and the MLBPA agreed on a league-imposed schedule of 60 games per team Tuesday, and the 2020 season is set to begin July 23 or 24.
Players are scheduled to report to training camps July 1, and they will likely be held in the teams' home cities after spring training sites in Arizona and Florida wereshut downamid recent spikes in COVID-19 cases.
Most notably, 12 Philadelphia Phillies players and staff memberstested positivefor COVID-19,as didthree Colorado Rockies players.
MLB has some protocols in place meant to keep the season going in case of positive coronavirus tests. Per ESPN'sJeff Passan, teams will be allowed to place players on a COVID-19 injured list. Unlike the normal injured list that requires a 10-day stay, there will be no minimum or maximum stints on the COVID-19 IL.
The Tigers finished with an MLB-worst 47-114 record last season and have failed to reach the playoffs in each of the past five seasons after making it four years in a row from 2011 to 2014.
Detroit is expected to be among the league's worst teams again in 2020, as it didn't make a significant splash during the offseason aside from value signings such as catcher Austin Romine, first baseman C.J. Cron, second baseman Jonathan Schoop and outfielder Cameron Maybin.
Although expectations aren't high for the Tigers, the truncated 60-game season could open the door for some surprise teams to get hot early and qualify for the playoffs.
2020 MLB Draft Results: Grades and Order Listing for Each Team Before Day 2
Jun 11, 2020
FILE - In this Feb. 17, 2019, file photo, Arizona State's Spencer Torkelson bats during an NCAA college baseball game against Notre Dame in Phoenix. Torkelson is only the third player in Pac-12 history to hit 20 home runs in back-to-back seasons and is a projected top-three pick in the draft. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)
On Wednesday, MLB became the third major sport to pull off a virtual draft, allowing us to be in players' homes with them as their names were called. And Day 1 of the 2020 MLB draft saw 37 players have their dreams come true.
This year we have more of an idea of how the draft may play out just after Day 1 since it's only five rounds. The event will resume Thursday at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN 2 and MLB Network, airing through the final round and 160thpick.
Take a look below at early grades for the 29 teams that drafted Wednesday night.
The Diamondbacks brought in an arm with potential in Duke righty Bryce Jarvis. After forgoing the draft last year to work on his fastball, he had a great start to his junior season with a 0.67 ERA and a 20:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Arizona added another ACC pitcher, Slade Cecconi, later to stack up at the spot since its top five prospects are position players.
The lefty ranked as No. 77 in MLB's top prospects list and didn't have a great first two years at Wake Forest with a 6.79 ERA. However, the Atlanta Braves have found success with developing pitching prospects, so Shuster should grow in their farm system.
The Baltimore Orioles shocked a lot of viewers by using the No. 2 overall pick on Heston Kjerstad. While the outfielder from Arkansas was linked to the team, Austin Martin was the favorite to go No. 2. Kjerstad, a left-handed hitter, has impressive raw power despite struggling with strike zones.
With the first pick in the Competitive Balance Round A, the Orioles took Jordan Westburg—another player with raw talent. The shortstop has the tools to succeed but is less polished in game play. The Orioles' player development got a huge boost with two potentially productive hitters.
No. 17: Nick Yorke, 2B, Archbishop Mitty HS (California)
This may have been the most surprising pick of the draft's first round, as Nick Yorke ranked No. 139 in the top prospects list. The Boston Red Sox won't have a second-round pick because of their sign-stealing scheme, so they may have gone for a lower-ranked player to save for future rounds.
According to ESPN's David Schoenfield, a scout texted his colleague Jeff Passan that Yorke "was the best prep hitter on the West Coast."
Deja vu? The Chicago White Sox selected Chris Sale, a fairly big risk at the time, with the 13th pick in the 2010 draft. Garret Crochet, a southpaw out of Tennessee, has already drawn comparisons to Sale due to his fastball and build. He may be a gamble, but has the potential to make an immediate impact out of the bullpen with his pure talent.
Chicago went with the hometown pick in true shortstop Ed Howard, nabbing the top prep shortstop in the draft. Howard's stock may have dropped because of a nagging shoulder injury, but if he can work through it, his quick bat may help him realize his potential.
No. 12: Austin Hendrick, OF, West Allegheny HS (Pennsylvania)
Austin Hendrick has raw power from the left side of the plate and an arm that serves him well in right field. His bat speed—a 91 mph exit velocity—makes him a standout hitter, which could lead him to massive success with the Cincinnati Reds.
Adding Carson Tucker gives the Cleveland Indians more depth at shortstop—and you can never have too many middle infielders with good bat control and speed. Tanner Burns becomes another college arm Cleveland can add to a young rotation, with raw power and a well-controlled 92-94 mph fastball.
Zac Veen is the top high school bat in the draft—drawing comparisons to incredible hitters such as Christian Yelich and Cody Bellinger—and was the best player still on the board when the Colorado Rockies were first on the clock. The team needed to fill a hole behind the plate, so Drew Romo makes sense, as he's known primarily for his defensive ability.
Surprise, surprise! The overwhelming favorite to go No. 1 overall did just that, and the Detroit Tigers have now added incredible power at the plate. Spencer Torkelson put up monster numbers in his collegiate at-bats, slugging 54 homers. However, what was surprising about the pick was that Torkelson was announced as a third baseman:
With the first pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, the Detroit Tigers chose Arizona State slugger Spencer Torkelson. The most surprising part: He was announced as a third baseman. Torkelson played 1B at Arizona State but has shown enough athleticism to convince some he could stick at 3B.
Asa Lacy was the best college arm in the draft, and not many people expected him to drop out of the top three. When he was still available at No. 4, the Kansas City Royals scooped him up even though they hadn't been linked to him prior to Wednesday night.
Kansas City already had strong prospect pitchers, making them even stronger. Nick Loftin is another impressive college athlete, and his consistency could help him continue to improve.
One of the more unsurprising picks, the Los Angeles Angels were shopping for college arms, and Reid Detmers had been projected to go right around the top 10. He's a polished pitcher, can hit the strike zone and has a pitching arsenal that shows he knows what he's doing.
With the last pick in the first round, the Los Angeles Dodgers opted for a righty with pure stuff from a big program. Bobby Miller is known for his heat, with his fastball recorded as high as 99mph, and he has a dangerous splitter/changeup to back it up. He may not be polished, but the Dodgers can fix that.
The Miami Marlins were heavily linked to Asa Lacy prior to the draft, so this pick came as a bit of a shock. However, Max Meyer has often been compared to Walker Buehler, and Meyer's triple-digit fastball could make him a dangerous weapon in the bullpen.
Garrett Mitchell has many strengths, whether that be his build, raw power at the plate, elite speed or slugging ability. He led the nation with 12 triples last year, stole 18 bases, and had a batting average of .349. His defensive ability isn't lacking, either, making him an exciting all-around prospect.
The Minnesota Twins needed to add depth at first base, so adding power-hitter Aaron Sabato made sense. The draft-eligible sophomore had a .343 batting average his freshman year, and his strength and bat speed combine to give him a raw power that could help him become the designated hitter in Minnesota.
No. 19: Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF, Harvard-Westlake HS (California)
Pete Crow-Armstrong's defensive game is strong, but he doesn't have much raw power at the plate. If his power can develop to match the rest of his abilities, he will be a good all-around player.
Austin Wells adds much-needed hitting to the prospects in the New York Yankees system. He hit .353 in his freshman year, with 46 walks and 43 strikeouts. Wells isn't a new name for the Yankees, as they drafted him out of high school in the 35th round of the 2018 draft.
The Oakland Athletics picked up the second catcher in the draft class, but they will most likely have to buy him out of his commitment to UCLA. He's a strong left-handed bat and relies on his athleticism in the field.
The 6'5" high-schooler hit mid-90s early in his career, and he's been on the radar as a first-round pick ever since. His three-pitch arsenal contributed to making him the first high school arm selected in the draft. The righty out of Oregon has high upside but may take some time to meet his potential.
The Pittsburgh Pirates nabbed an offensive powerhouse in Nick Gonzales. The second baseman had an impressive career slash line at New Mexico State, and his 1.115 slugging percentage this season caught everyone's attention. He should do well in Pittsburgh's system as an all-around bat.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have selected Nick Gonzales with the seventh overall pick in the MLB Draft. He becomes the highest-drafted player in program history, and the pick is valued at $5,432,400.
Carmen Mlodzinski showed great ability to adapt after overcoming an injury to become a top pitching prospect out of the Cape Cod League and could be successful in Pittsburgh's rotation.
No. 8: Robert Hassell, CF, Independence HS (Tennessee)
No. 34: Justin Lange, RHP, Llano HS (Texas)
Robert Hassel was the first high school player taken in the 2020 draft—the latest the first high schooler has ever gone off the board in the MLB draft, according to ESPN—but has the potential to grow into a power lefty at the plate. The San Diego Padres added another high schooler in Justin Lange, who has touched 100mph on his fastball but still has some work to do on his changeup and slider.
The San Francisco Giants picked up the top catcher in the class, which is peculiar considering the top prospect in their system is catcher Joey Bart. Regardless, Patrick Bailey has good plate patience, is a switch hitter and a quality defensive catcher.
Not only had the Seattle Mariners had been tied to Emerson Hancock in several mocks, but they were also focusing on college players in the first round. Hancock has drawn comparisons to the No. 1 pick in 2018, Casey Mize, and his deep repertoire and ability to hit the strike zone serves him well. He becomes the third college pitcher in as many years Seattle has drafted in the first round.
The St. Louis Cardinals got just what they are used to in Jordan Walker, a third baseman who can play either corner infield position. His hitting should improve in the Cardinals' system, as they have found success with hitting prospects in the past.
No. 24: Nick Bitsko, RHP, Central Bucks East HS (Pennsylvania)
No. 37: Alika Williams, SS, Arizona State
The Tampa Bay Rays gambled with their selection of Nick Bitsko—a right-hander who reclassified from the 2021 draft class. He's trickier to evaluate since we didn't get to see much of his pitching in 2020 because of the cancelled spring season. While he has huge upside and potential, he's also a riskier pick. With the last pick on Day 1, the Rays added another middle infielder, Alika Williams, to their already deep arsenal.
The Texas Rangers went the dependable route here by drafting second baseman Justin Foscue. He shows consistency at the plate, and it will be interesting to see how his power translates to the majors and how quickly he can move through Texas' system.
The Toronto Blue Jays got a steal by nabbing the consensus No. 2 player with the 5th overall pick in the draft. Austin Martin is an all-around hitter who's known for plate discipline and his ability to make consistent contact. His defensive versatility also makes him a huge asset.
Law says he hears the Jays will take Martin. "An enormous home run. Blue Jays fans should be over the moon. I think they get the best player in the draft."
Cade Cavalli is just the type of pitching prospect the Washington Nationals are drawn to, as his athleticism and fastball may turn him into a strong starting prospect for Washington down the line. However, the Nationals should be wary of his high collegiate ERA (4.09).
Grade: A-
3B Spencer Torkelson Selected by Tigers as No. 1 Overall Pick in 2020 MLB Draft
Jun 10, 2020
Arizona State first baseman Spencer Torkelson during an NCAA college baseball game against Notre Dame, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
The Detroit Tigersmade Spencer Torkelson a cornerstone of their farm system by selecting him with the No. 1overall pick in the 2020 MLB draft on Wednesday.
Though he played first base in college, he was announced as a third baseman when selected.
Torkelson on playing third base: “I pride myself as a baseball player and a baseball player isn’t stuck at one position...I pride myself on winning and getting the job done. If that’s on third base, then that’s what it is. I will do my best over there and make it happen.”
Torkelson entered this season as one of the favorites to go No. 1 overall. The Arizona State star led the Pac-12 in home runs as a freshman (25) and sophomore (23). He was on his way to another outstanding performance in 2020 with a .340/.598/.770 slash line and six home runs in 17 games before the NCAA canceled spring sports because of the coronavirus pandemic.
MLB.com ranked the 20-year-old as the best prospect in this year's class, putting plus grades on his hit and power tools:
"He controls at-bats extremely well and draws a ton of walks. He's able to drive the ball from foul pole to foul pole and he uses the middle of the field when he's at his best. He's able to hit the ball out to all fields, with tremendous loft power to his pull side. He doesn't sell out for that power, but gets to it with ease."
Despite those offensive attributes, The Athletic's Keith Law noted no college first baseman has ever been drafted No. 1 overall.
The California native may not stay at first base in professional baseball. Sun Devils head coach Tracy Smith told Baseball America's Teddy Cahill that Torkelson, who played third base in high school and right field in the Cape Cod League, could move to another position if asked.
Torkelson is a solid defensive first baseman and his bat will play at the position, so there's no need to move him.
The most important thing for the Tigers is making sure they don't do anything that could hinder his offensive development. He has the potential to hit in the middle of their lineup as soon as he arrives in MLB.
Detroit has done a terrific job of adding high-end talent to its farm system during this rebuilding phase. MLB.com ranked the Tigers' minor leaguers as the fifth-best overall coming into this season, with four top-100 prospects.
Torkelson will give them a fifth as soon as he signs. He's a future No. 3 or 4 hitter with 30-plus-homer potential.
MLB Rumors: Latest Draft Buzz on Spencer Torkelson, Yankees, More
Jun 9, 2020
FILE - In this Feb. 17, 2019, file photo, Arizona State's Spencer Torkelson bats during an NCAA college baseball game against Notre Dame in Phoenix. Torkelson is only the third player in Pac-12 history to hit 20 home runs in back-to-back seasons and is a projected top-three pick in the draft. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)
With the MLB draft almost upon us, all eyes are on the Detroit Tigers, who secured the first overall pick for the second time in three years. And, just as it was in 2018, their goal remains to pick the biggest talent.
There has been plenty of talk about who they will draft, with names such as Spencer Torkelson, Austin Martin and others being linked to the Tigers.
Detroit, just like many other teams, has had to prepare for this year’s unique draft in a different way than before. Scouts lost months of visiting schools and watching prospects, and college and high school players didn’t get to show off their true potential in such a short amount of time.
However, the 2020 MLB draft will go on. It begins on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET, and its shortened five-round format will span two days.
Despite the unusual position scouts and teams have been put in, there are still plenty of rumors about which players are being targeted and what teams are looking for.
Below, we’ll break down some of the latest draft buzz surrounding the favorite to go No. 1, Spencer Torkelson, and what the Yankees and Pirates are rumored to be going after.
Is Spencer Torkelson a lock at No. 1?
Two years ago, Detroit used the first overall pick in the 2018 draft to select right-hander Casey Mize. This year, it will most likely be securing one of the best bats in the 2020 draft class.
While many speculate Arizona State first baseman Spencer Torkelson will become the first overall pick, the Tigers were looking at five or six players at one point.
"We continue to talk," scouting director Scott Pleis told MLB.com. "We have five or six guys we're beating up pretty hard. We feel good about it. We just want to do everything we can to make sure we know everything we need to know."
While Pleis didn't identify any players, MLB’s Jim Callis reported that sources had narrowed down Detroit’s prospects to Torkelson, Vanderbilt third baseman Austin Martin, Texas A&M lefty Asa Lacy, Georgia right-hander Emerson Hancock and New Mexico State infielder Nick Gonzales.
However, Callis noted "officials with other clubs would be surprised" if the Tigers didn't use their pick on Torkelson.
Since then, it seems Detroit has locked down its No. 1 pick.
ESPN draft analyst Kiley McDaniel told a conference call on June 4 that he's "98 percent sure" the Tigers will select the 20-year-old—making him only the second true first baseman to be selected first in the MLB draft since Adrian Gonzalez in 2000.
"It's hard to imagine them not taking him with what's coming from their camp, people close to that camp," McDaniel said, according to the Detroit Free Press. "It's not really an actual conversation unless something really drastic happens that I don’t foresee happening."
Dan Hubbs, the #Tigers’ new director of pitching development, was previously the coach of @USC_Baseball, where he got a good look at No. 1 #MLBDraft pick favorite Spencer Torkelson, whom Hubbs calls "a special player."
McDaniel also noted the Tigers like powerful bats and prefer players from the SEC. Torkelson's incredible power at the plate—blasting 54 homers over three years at ASU—paired with extreme plate discipline make him one of the best offensive prospects the draft has seen in a while.
It seems all but guaranteed that he will be a Tiger soon.
Yankees Eyeing Position Players
At the other end of the draft, the Yankees sit with the 28th overall pick.
According to MLB’s Jonathan Mayo, most talk surrounding their first-round draft pick is about position players.
"Experts believe the club will target a quality position player in the first round before seeking pitchers later," MLB's Bryan Hoch wrote in his preview of the Yankees' draft.
New York has been linked to Mount Carmel HS (Chicago) shortstop Ed Howard and Baylor shortstop Nick Loftin. Given the latter's collegiate experience at shortstop, he may be the more likely choice.
Other position players that have been connected to the Yankees are Mountain Pointe HS (Phoenix) shortstop Carson Tucker and Arizona catcher Austin Wells, while Texas Tech right-hander Clayton Beeter has also been thrown in the mix.
The Yankees have forfeited their second- and fifth-round picks as a result of signing Gerrit Cole during free agency, leaving them with just three total picks to add depth to their roster.
Pirates Looking to College
With the No. 7 overall pick in the draft, it appears the Pirates may be looking toward the college route, with MLB's Adam Berry saying, "The Pirates are said to be targeting college position players with their first pick."
In his mock draft, Mayo noted Louisville left-handed pitcher Reid Detmers or Arkansas outfielder Heston Kjerstad are all on the table—and even reported the Pirates are "definitely discussing" Detmers.
He even said Spruce Creek HS outfielder Zac Veen might be considered, as the top high school position player in the draft class.
Callis and McDaniel also linked Pittsburgh to Kjerstad and threw two new names in the mix—UCLA outfielder Garrett Mitchell and N.C. State catcher Patrick Bailey.
Bailey is the top backstop in the draft class, a position that is a clear hole in the Pirates’ system and one of their biggest draft needs.
However, the real standout here seems to be Kjerstad, as the top left-handed power hitter in the draft class. The Arkansas outfielder may be one of the better bats available at No. 7.
