The 2018 MLB Draft is finally here. Today will be the day that franchises throughout the league select the players they think will be the most valuable to their organization’s down the road.
The draft will be aired on MLB Network starting at 7 pm ET.
The Detroit Tigers will be on the board to begin Monday night as a result of winning only 64 games last season. Despite several needs for the ballclub, many critics believe their selection will not be that surprising.
The expectation is that Detroit will take right-handed pitcher Casey Mize. He is a four-pitch player with above-average speed on each who has an impeccable ability to control his pitches, modeled by his shiny 12.1 K/BB ratio which led the NCAA. He has also proven his durability. After suffering some minor injuries last season, Mize has remained healthy all season long.
On another note, it will be interesting to see where Kyler Murray is selected. Murray is currently a quarterback for the Oklahoma Sooners but also has tremendous potential in baseball. With Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield ready to begin his NFL career as a member of the Cleveland Browns, Kyler Murray is the clear frontrunner to take his starting job.
However, scouts believe Murray will have more success on the diamond. Several think Murray would even be selected within the top 10 if the teams were sure he would sign with them. This is not the case since Kyler is unsure which sport to choose. He could make millions of dollars if he decides to sign a contract in the MLB, but he seems to be leaning towards returning for another year of college football.
All these questions and more will be answered when the night is through.
Featured Image Via Flickr/Michael Kumm
