Detroit Tigers: Recapping Every 2016 Draftee’s First Professional Season

Bryan Garcia

Round Drafted: Sixth
Position: Relief Pitcher

The Detroit Tigers were clearly looking to boost the team’s pitching ranks, as Garcia represents yet another intriguing talent added to the system.

Another reliever with the potential to eventually come out of Detroit’s bullpen, the University of Miami pitcher thrived early with Connecticut.

Over 18 innings, the right-hander struck out 21 batters while allowing just three walks, two earned runs and one home run.

Garcia was roughed up in his only appearance for Western Michigan, getting tagged for three runs in just 0.2 innings of work, but that shouldn’t stop him from advancing through Detroit’s system.

Austin Sodders

Round Drafted: Seventh
Position: Starting Pitcher

Detroit finally broke out of its early draft pattern… of selecting right-handed pitchers.

The Tigers nabbed left-handed starter Austin Sodders in the seventh round. Like many of the team’s other early-round draft picks, Sodders thrived.

The Detroit Tigers farmhand notched a 2.29 ERA in 39.1 innings for Connecticut, striking out 33 along the way. What’s more, he allowed just five walks and a 1.017 WHIP.

Jacob Robson

Round Drafted: Eighth
Position: Outfielder

After drafting a southpaw to break the trend of right-handers, the Detroit Tigers went an entirely different direction in the eighth round. The team selected outfielder Jacob Robson.

The London, Ontario native enjoyed a productive season at the plate while seeing time at all three outfield positions.

Over 49 games and 209 plate appearances, Robson hit .294 with a .399 on-base percentage. He also chipped in with 30 runs scored, 15 stolen bases, 11 RBI, nine doubles, three triples and a home run.

What was perhaps most encouraging about the Mississippi State product’s season was his 31 walks compared to just 42 punch outs.