Detroit Tigers: 2016 Draft Picks to Watch in 2017

Daniel Pinero
Age: 22
Position: Shortstop
Round Drafted: Ninth

Shortstops standing at 6’5” aren’t exactly the most common thing in the world, but the Detroit Tigers have one in Daniel Pinero.

The former University of Virginia player saw time in both the Gulf Coast League and New York-Pennsylvania League last season.

All told, he batted .271 with a strong .382 on-base percentage in 50 contests. The shortstop also added 26 runs scored, 22 RBI, eight doubles, two home runs, two stolen bases and a triple.

Considering Detroit doesn’t have too much shortstop depth in the prospect department, Pinero could move up the organizational ladder.

Hector Martinez looks like a promising player, but he just completed his first season in the Gulf Coast league. Additionally, A.J. Simcox turned in just a .298 on-base percentage with Lakeland last year.

Zac Houston
Age: 22
Position: Relief Pitcher
Round Drafted: 11^th

Houston, who checked in at #19 on Motor City Bengals’ list of the Detroit Tigers’ top prospects, recently wrapped up an excellent debut season in the professional ranks.

Over the span of 29.2 innings split between Connecticut and Single-A West Michigan, the reliever posted a minuscule 0.30 ERA to go along with 14.9 punch outs per nine frames.

The ERA is obviously not sustainable, but Houston’s ability to rack up strikeouts could help him pitch out of Brad Ausmus’ bullpen in the next few years.