For the first time since 2015, the Detroit Tigers’ first-round pick in the MLB Draft is going to be outside the top-20.
After making it to the ALDS last season, the Tigers landed the No. 24 pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, a far cry from selecting in the top-5 in five of the last seven drafts.
The last few times the Tigers have made their first pick of the draft after No. 20, they’ve gone after high school prospects like Beau Burrows (No. 22 in 2015) and Derek Hill (No. 23 in 2014).
While we’re still a few months from the draft, which will emanate from Atlanta July 13-15, mock drafts are starting to surface as analysts and draft experts start hearing what teams are looking for and who might fit the bill in the coming draft class.
Here’s a roundup of some recent mock drafts of who the Tigers might go for at No. 24 to try and help immediately or for the future.
The pick: Riley Quick, RHP, Arkansas
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 245
DOB: April 29, 2004
What they’re saying: “Quick could help the Tigers this year in a bullpen role if they’re so inclined, and still has long-term upside as a starter.” — Keith Law
2025 performance: 46 2/3 IP, 2.94 K/BB, 3.47 ERA,
The pick: Slater de Brun, OF, Summit HS (Bend, Ore.)
Bats: L, Throws: L
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 180
DOB: June 8, 2007
What they’re saying: “As a smaller, lefty-hitting sparkplug from the Pacific Northwest, de Brun has a lot of similarities to Corbin Carroll at the same stage of their careers.” — Jim Callis
The pick: Xavier Neyens, INF, Mount Vernon HS (Wash.)
Bats: L, Throws: R
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 200
DOB: October 29, 2006
What they’re saying: “A 6-foot-4 frame that already offers elite power from the left side, and athleticism that produced 24 stolen bases in his team’s first 18 games. Oh, Neyens won’t be a speed merchant on the pro level, but if the team drafting him can cut down on his swing-and-miss, it should unlock significant thump from his bat.” — Gabe Lacques