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

Daniel Pinero

Round Drafted: Ninth
Position: Shortstop

A former 36^th-round pick of the club in 2015, the Detroit Tigers clearly like Daniel Pinero. The 22-year-old shortstop, who is 6’5”, turned in a solid offensive season.

In 43 game predominantly spent with Connecticut, the infielder logged a .271 batting average and a .371 on-base percentage.

The towering shortstop also added 22 RBI, eight doubles, two home runs, two stolen bases and a triple. He only struck out 30 times while posting an encouraging 29 walks.

Sam Machonis

Round Drafted: 10^th
Position: Center Fielder

A 10^th-round selection from Florida Southern College—located in Detroit’s Spring Training home, Lakeland—Machonis didn’t get off to the best start in the minors.

In 41 games with the Connecticut Tigers, the 22-year-old collected 17 RBI, 14 walks, three doubles, a triple, a home run and a stolen base. His OPS sat at .567.

Struggles aren’t unheard of early for draft picks, and Machonis could very well enjoy a rebound season next year.

Zac Houston

Round Drafted: 11^th
Position: Relief Pitcher

Detroit once again returned to drafting relief pitchers, and snagged a promising one in Zac Houston.

Another Mississippi State product, the reliever struck out 49 batters in just 29.2 innings of work for Connecticut and Western Michigan. What’s more, he also allowed just one earned run over the span.

All told, the right-hander posted a 0.30 ERA, 14.9 strikeouts per nine innings and a 2-0 record.

If Houston can cut down on his walks (15) and hit batters (seven) he should progress through Detroit’s system relatively quickly.