Detroit Tigers make RHP Casey Mize first overall pick in 2018 MLB Draft

The Detroit Tigers surprised no one when they made Auburn right-handed pitcher Casey Mize the first overall pick of the 2018 MLB Draft.

As holders of the first overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, the Detroit Tigers had months to make their evaluations of the draft class without regard to what might happen in the picks ahead of them. That made their task simple: identify the player best-suited for the franchise at this particular point in their rebuild and take him.

As the college baseball season unfolded, Auburn right-handed pitcher Casey Mize emerged as the logical pick. Reports came out that the Tigers had limited their choice to Mize, Georgia Tech catcher Joey Bart and Florida right-handed pitcher Brady Singer, but Mize remained the favorite.

There was no surprise in store when commissioner Rob Manfred announced the Tigers’ choice. Casey Mize will make the move from the blue and orange of the Auburn Tigers to the blue and orange of the Detroit Tigers.

MLB.com’s Jim Callis had the following instant analysis along with the pick:

"As expected, MLB Pipeline’s top-rated prospect goes No. 1 overall. You can’t argue with this selection. Mize has the best pitch in the Draft — a nearly-unhittable splitter. He has the best combination of stuff and polish of any pitcher in the 2018 Draft class."

In a draft year noted for not necessarily having an obvious number one prospect, Mize emerged as the prudent pick. The Tigers have always been big on stocking their farm system with quality arms and Mize is no exception.

Scouting reports note that Mize has four plus pitches and perhaps even better news is that he doesn’t have a wild arm that needs to be tamed in the minors. MLB.com’s Jason Beck has the notes on Mize’s accomplishments this season:

"Mize tossed a no-hitter against Northeastern in March, propelling him toward a season worthy of his billing. The right-hander has gone 10-5 with a 2.95 ERA in 16 starts, striking out 151 batters over 109 2/3 innings with 77 hits allowed. Just as impressive, he surrendered just 12 walks."

Mize had some durability concerns heading into the season but put them to rest by having a full dominating season. As an advanced pitcher with a smooth delivery, there shouldn’t be on-going concerns about his health at this point.

Next: Detroit Tigers All-Time 25-Man Roster

The Tigers capped off day one of the draft by selecting Parker Meadows, a prep outfielder from the state of Georgia. He is the brother of Austin Meadows, a highly-regarded prospect of the Pittsburgh Pirates (2013 ninth-overall pick), who made his MLB debut this season. Parker Meadows is committed to Clemson but the Tigers will hope to keep that from happening with a nice bonus.