Detroit Tigers: 2019 MLB Draft Brings Uncertainty For The Tigers Pick

Riley Greene could be just as intriguing as Abrams, but he is another high schooler that deserves a look from the Detroit Tigers on draft day. The outfielder possesses a unique skill set that could allow him to have success with a big league club one day.

A unique thing about Greene is that he is a two-way player, an outfielder and left-handed arm. He is a 6’2″, 190-pound high school senior that has a lot to offer, mostly on the offensive side of the baseball. Out of Hagerty High School in Florida, Greene looks to top Zach Eiflin and be selected before Eiflin was at 33rd overall in 2012 by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Greene is verbally committed to play his college baseball at the University of Florida.

According to the MLB Pipeline rankings, Greene is an overall 55-grade prospect with his highest ranked categories being his 60-grade hitting and 55-grade power ranking. Greene’s biggest downfall that separates him from someone like Bobby Witt Jr. or CJ Abrams is his lack of speed. He is a well below-average runner who’s only weapon is strictly his bat.

A minor league system can work with him and get his fielding and possibly his speed to come around, but worry in the outfield could prevent the Tigers from selecting him. Greene has a solid bat; nothing can be taken away from him there, which is why he is an intriguing player at selection five. If things go that way, and Greene is the best-bat avilable then the Tigers could take a flyer on him.