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Detroit Tigers: Who to take in the Rule 5 draft?

By Adam McIntosh

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) /
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Detroit Tigers
DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 18: A detail of a Detroit Tigers hat with an official postseason logo is seen on the bat rack in the udgout againstthe New York Yankees during game four of the American League Championship Series at Comerica Park on October 18, 2012 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

The 22-year-old was once considered a top-10 prospect for the Chicago Cubs, now he finds himself exposed in the Rule 5 draft.

The Cubs selected him in the 13th Round of the 2013 draft, and Minor League Ball had him on their 2017 Prospect Watch List. After posting a 2.72 ERA in High Single-A Ball in 2016, Clifton found himself struggling in AA Ball. In 2017, he posted a 5.21 ERA while striking out 86 and walking 45 with the Tennessee Smokies.

As of December 8th he was considered to be a Top 10 Prospect for the Cubs, but the Cubs exposing him in the Rule 5 draft and the recent acquisition of Drew Smyly by the Cubs doesn’t bode well for him in the Cubs Organization.

The Tigers could take a flyer on him and see how he does in the bullpen. However, there have been rumblings of interest in Michael Fulmer. So, a draft of Clifton could somehow result in him being in the big leagues by 2019.

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