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Analyzing the last ten Detroit Tigers drafts

By Andy Patton

DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 04: Rick Porcello #48 of the Detroit Tigers pitches in the second inning of Game Four of the American League Divison Series against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park on October 4, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. The Yankees defeated the Tigers 10-1. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 04: Rick Porcello #48 of the Detroit Tigers pitches in the second inning of Game Four of the American League Divison Series against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park on October 4, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. The Yankees defeated the Tigers 10-1. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – AUGUST 30: Nicholas Castellanos #9 of the Detroit Tigers watches the flight of a third inning solo homerun against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on August 30, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – AUGUST 30: Nicholas Castellanos #9 of the Detroit Tigers watches the flight of a third inning solo homerun against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on August 30, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

The 2010 draft saw the selection of one of Detroit’s best remaining players in slugger Nicholas Castellanos.

Castellanos made his big league debut in 2013 and has been a mainstay in Detroit’s lineup since 2014, when he finished eighth in Rookie of the Year voting. He originally came up as a third baseman before being shifted over to left field. He then shifted back to third base at the big league level until last season, when he was moved to right field to make room for rookie Jeimer Candelario.

Defensively, Castellanos has struggled at each new position. He is the right fielder now and is embracing his new role on the team. While it may take a while for him to even post average defensive numbers, his offense more than makes up for it.

Castellanos has steadily improved his offensive game, blasting a career-high 26 home runs, 36 doubles and a league-leading 10 triples in 2017.

While trade rumors have been prevalent this offseason, it seems Castellanos is content being the future leader of the Detroit Tigers. Certainly a first round pick that a team can be proud of.

In addition to Castellanos, the Tigers snagged left-hander Drew Smyly in the second round. Smyly went 16-12 with a 3.53 ERA and a 116 ERA+ with the Tigers. He was traded in the summer blockbuster that netted the Tigers David Price.

Chance Ruffin, Rob Brantly, Bryan Holaday and Kyle Ryan also came from a rather impressive 2010 draft.

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