Detroit Tigers: A “too-soon” look at 5 possible picks in 2022 MLB Draft
By Tyler Kotila
Brock Porter, RHP, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Prep (Mich.)
Keeping things homegrown, the Detroit Tigers could go into their backyard and grab Brock Porter with their first-round pick in the 2022 MLB Draft. It’s dependent on where he is slated to be picked and where the Tigers end up picking, but Porter is a loud arm to keep an eye on.
As of right now, Porter is taking his talents to Clemson University after finishing up with the Orchard Lake St. Mary’s prep program, but that might change. If the Tigers are able to scoop him up, they may be able to steer him away from collegiate baseball and add another premier draft arm to the farm system.
‘22 RHP Brock Porter (MI) explosive as expected. 95-97 in the first, topped at 97.5, consistent S/M up in zone, CH at 77-78, all kinds of upside. Clemson commit. #PGNational @PG_OhioValley @OLSMBaseball pic.twitter.com/YmTkKlXSaM
— PG Showcases (@PGShowcases) July 16, 2021
Porter works up to 97 mph and pounds the mid-90s with excellent life. There’s a true feel for a change-up that he shows often to both left-handed and right-handed hitters. The change-up has great depth to it and is problematic for the opposition.
Besides the fastball/change-up combination, Porter mixed in a breaking ball with exceptional sweep to it. He’s got a quick arm action that helps him be a truly loud arm. He commands all three of his pitches well and is able to induce swings and misses, especially on elevation.
A clean and easy delivery that is repeatable from a projectable big frame makes him an exciting arm. Porter stands 6-foot-4 and weighs in at 205 pounds. He’ll make for a great arm in the future as he continues to refine his pitch mix and show even more feel for the breaking ball to go with his already advanced fastball/change-up attack.
Plenty to be excited about with Porter; if the Tigers want to add another prep arm to the farm system, he might just be their guy.