The Tigers drafted Southern California two-way prep star Bryce Rainer with the 11th overall pick in 2024. They love the Harvard-Westlake product’s upside at the plate, his chance to stick at shortstop and his separating work ethic.
“What’s been the most impressive is the makeup on and off the field and how unflappable he is during the transition to professional baseball and everything that comes with this life,” Tigers vice president and assistant GM Ryan Garko said.
“He does a great job sticking to his routines and being consistent every day.”
That dedication to routine takes on added importance now that Rainer has a long rehab process in front of him after dislocating his right shoulder while diving back into first base for Low-A Lakeland. He had season-ending surgery in early June.
The 19-year-old Rainer took well to his introduction to pro ball. He batted .288/.383/.448 with five home runs and nine stolen bases in 35 Florida State League games.
That ability to take things in stride is all Rainer knows. He mixes the consistency of his approach to preparation with a natural faith in his instinct in the field.
“I think one of the bigger things for me is kind of just realizing I got here (to the FSL), so something in my routine has been good,” Rainer said. “There are definitely things I can add, but it is kind of hard knowing exactly what to add to your routine or take away.
“I think it’s just a process of trial and error. You’re never really going to find a perfect routine. It’s always changing. One day, you might feel great, and the next, you might not. It’s about figuring out things to add and subtract based on how you’re feeling or whatever else is happening.”
Garko refers to Rainer as an “authentic person” who has a “quiet confidence.”
“We talk about self-awareness a lot with our players,” Garko said, “and Bryce is as in-tune with himself as any player in our system, which is amazing for a first-year player.
“He’s quiet, but he’s a natural leader. Guys gravitate to him.”