Detroit Tigers: Who to take in the Rule 5 draft?
![DETROIT, MI - JUNE 28: A wide view of Comerica Park during a MLB game between the Detroit Tigers and the Chicago White Sox on June 28, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers win on a walk off home run 5-4. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) DETROIT, MI - JUNE 28: A wide view of Comerica Park during a MLB game between the Detroit Tigers and the Chicago White Sox on June 28, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers win on a walk off home run 5-4. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fmotorcitybengals-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F11-2F479465508-chicago-white-sox-v-detroit-tigers-jpg-850x560-e8bce534be80ee9f0c7da3a4416ed0cd.jpg)
The Detroit Tigers have the first pick in the 2017 Rule 5 Draft and the Tigers are rebuilding. What does that mean for Tigers going into the Rule 5 draft?
The Rule 5 draft allows a team to select an exposed minor leaguer for $50,000. That player must remain on the 25-man roster for the entire season, or be returned to his original team for $25,000.
For the Detroit Tigers, the draft strategy is pretty simple. They can 1.) draft someone who fills an immediate role, or 2.) draft a player with raw talent and a high ceiling. The kind of player that requires investment for a payoff. According to Tigers’ GM Al Avila the team won’t make a final decision on who they’re drafting until tomorrow night.
Given the options the Detroit Tigers have, let’s look at 5 potential picks they can make using their overall number one pick. The Tigers have obvious needs-such as the bullpen or a role player. Each of these players can fill that role, whether its next season or by 2020.