Detroit Tigers: Early observations for the 2021 MLB Draft

The Detroit Tigers possess the third overall selection in the 2021 MLB Draft; they will walk away with another top-flight talent for the rebuild.

The exact details have not been ironed out yet, but the Detroit Tigers will have the third overall selection in the draft. While the number of rounds has not been determined and still needs to be decided, one thing is certain.

The Tigers will be adding a top-tier talent with that third overall selection who will add to the crop of young talent the organization has in its farm system. With Riley Greene, Casey Mize, and Spencer Torkelson being the products of first-round draft choices in recent years, the 2021 draft will just add another.

There is a lot of talent for the Tigers to choose from; having the third overall choice means they will be unlikely to have a shot at Kumar Rocker as of now. He is currently the top-rated draft choice in the 2021 draft class.

More from Detroit Jock City

• Tigers Sign Manager A.J. Hinch to Long-Term Extension
• Lions vs. Bears Week 14 Opening Odds Disrespect Detroit
• Former Tigers Celebrate Jim Leyland Hall of Fame Call
• This Pistons Team Could be the Worst in Detroit Sports History
• 4 Free Agents Tigers Should Sign During Winter Meetings

However, the Tigers could still end up with one of Vanderbilt’s top arms if Jack Leiter does not go second overall.

Leiter has emerged as one of the most exciting arms in college baseball, and he’s only heading into his sophomore season with the Commodores.

Leiter is the son of a former big leaguer, Al Leiter, who played nineteen years in the big leagues. His son is now chucking fastballs for Vanderbilt, heading into his second season after the COVID-19 pandemic shortened his freshman season.

He would make three starts and have one relief appearance, totaling 15.2 innings pitched, where he had a 1.72 ERA and a 0.83 WHIP with just 8 walks and 22 total strikeouts.

Leiter had a 2-0 record during that time where he was looking to help Vanderbilt get back to College World Series.

Leiter sits 91-93 on his fastball, topping at 96 mph once during the 2020 season. He also features both a curveball and a slider, with the fourth offering as a changeup that he seems to have a feel for. He has a ton of future potential and is worth it for the Tigers if he is there at third overall.

The Vanderbilt product would add even more depth and skill to an already exciting crop of pitching prospects. While some of them are moving into the big leagues, Mize and Tarik Skubal, there is still room for depth.

So, as the 2021 MLB Draft approaches, the Detroit Tigers will be bringing in a solid talent with the third overall selection. Hopefully, Jack Leiter is given a look by the organization if he is still on the draft board.