Detroit Tigers select Victor Reyes in Rule 5 Draft

The Detroit Tigers used their first pick in the 2017 Rule 5 Draft to select outfielder Victor Reyes from the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Many people thought the Detroit Tigers would use the Rule 5 draft to bolster their bullpen. They were frequently connected to flame-thrower Nick Burdi of the Minnesota Twins, who would have missed the first half of the season recovering from Tommy John surgery.

The Tigers went a different direction, selecting Arizona outfielder Victor Reyes with the first pick.

Reyes, 23, hit very well at Double-A last season. In 479 at-bats he hit .292 with 18 stolen bases and a 110 wRC+.

He hit .303 with 20 stolen bases the season prior at High-A.

The switch-hitter profiles more as a fourth outfielder with speed. His power is still developing, but his contact-oriented swing will likely play very well at the cavernous Comerica Park. Likewise, his speed will help him develop into a strong corner outfield defender.

Additionally, Reyes is capable of playing center field if necessary.

At 23 years old, the Tigers saw a player who is ready to contribute at the major league level sooner rather than later. Reyes may never develop into a superstar, but in an offense that lacks speed and left-handed hitting (even after the signing of Leonys Martin) Reyes should find himself earning plenty of at-bats.

Elsewhere in the Rule 5 Draft

The Rule 5 draft concluded with a former Tiger hearing his name called.

Left-handed reliever and former Tigers center fielder Anthony Gose was selected by the Houston Astros.

Gose signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers.

He is trying to reach the major leagues as a relief pitcher.

It looks like he will get his chance with the defending champion Houston Astros, who desperately needed a left-hander in their bullpen.

Gose can hit 95+ mph with his fastball, so the Astros are gambling that he will be able to find some success on the mound despite limited experience as a pitcher.

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The Rule 5 draft is a great, inexpensive way for teams to find controllable big-league talent. Here’s to hoping Reyes finds his role in Detroit and helps the ballclub as the rebuild continues.