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Detroit Tigers Draft Picks: Top First-Round Picks Since 2000

By Ben Rosener

May 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (39) center fielder Cameron Maybin (4) and third baseman Nick Castellanos (9) congratulate each other after scoring in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
May 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (39) center fielder Cameron Maybin (4) and third baseman Nick Castellanos (9) congratulate each other after scoring in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 10, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Detroit Tigers third baseman Nick Castellanos (9) hits a two run home run against the Washington Nationals during the fourth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Nick Castellanos, 3B 2010

When the Detroit Tigers drafted Nick Castellanos with the 44th-overall pick in the 2010 draft, there was never any doubt that the third baseman could hit.

Castellanos immediately made good on his promise, hitting .303 in 410 career minor league games.

After a brief cup of coffee in 2013 that saw him hit .278 in 18 plate appearances, the 24-year-old logged his first full season at the Major League debut in 2014.

During that campaign, Castellanos finished managed a .259 batting average to go along with 66 RBI, 31 doubles, 11 home runs and four triples. The 2015 season saw the Florida native makes strides as he upped his total numbers of doubles (33), triples (six), home runs (15) and RBI (73). His batting average dropped to .255, but the former outfielder did up his OPS from .700 to .721.

So far this season, Nick Castellanos is making good on his exciting potential. The third baseman currently leads the American League with a stellar .348 batting average. His .984 OPS isn’t too shabby either.

In just 36 games, Castellanos has 30 RBI, which is nine more than any other hitter in the Detroit batting order.

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